ethylene
noun
eth·yl·ene
ˈe-thə-ˌlēn 
1
: a colorless flammable gaseous unsaturated hydrocarbon C2H4 that is found in coal gas, can be produced by pyrolysis of petroleum hydrocarbons, and occurs in plants functioning especially as a natural growth regulator that promotes the ripening of fruit
2
: a divalent hydrocarbon group C2H4 derived from ethane
Examples of ethylene in a Sentence
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The dome itself has a surface area of 128 sq m (1,378 sq ft), made up of transparent ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) panels for the outer skin, supported by VikingDome's T-STAR system of 245 steel structural bars, connected with 76 joins on the sphere and 10 on the base.
—
New Atlas, 3 Dec. 2025
When exposed to sunlight, this catalyst triggers a reaction that converts methane directly into ethylene.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 Nov. 2025
Ripe avocados can be stored in the fridge for 3-5 days to slow ethylene gas release and extend their shelf life.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 13 Nov. 2025
Put them in a paper bag with a banana or apple; these fruits give off ethylene gas that can help the tomatoes ripen quicker.
—Amy Brightfield, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Oct. 2025
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New Atlas, 3 Dec. 2025
When exposed to sunlight, this catalyst triggers a reaction that converts methane directly into ethylene.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 Nov. 2025
Ripe avocados can be stored in the fridge for 3-5 days to slow ethylene gas release and extend their shelf life.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 13 Nov. 2025
Put them in a paper bag with a banana or apple; these fruits give off ethylene gas that can help the tomatoes ripen quicker.
—Amy Brightfield, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ethylene
Cite this Entry
“Ethylene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethylene. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ethylene
noun
eth·yl·ene
ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn
: a colorless flammable gas found in coal gas or obtained from petroleum and used to ripen fruits or as an anesthetic
Medical Definition
ethylene
noun
eth·yl·ene
ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn
1
: a colorless flammable gaseous unsaturated hydrocarbon C2H4 that is found in coal gas, can be produced by pyrolysis of petroleum hydrocarbons, is used in medicine as a general inhalation anesthetic, and occurs in plants functioning especially as a natural growth regulator that promotes the ripening of fruit
called also ethene
2
: a divalent hydrocarbon group C2H4 derived from ethane
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