ethylene oxide

noun

: a colorless flammable toxic compound C₂H₄O used especially in synthesis (as of ethylene glycol) and in sterilization and fumigation

Examples of ethylene oxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Environmental Protection Agency proposed Friday to weaken limits on emissions of ethylene oxide, a cancer-causing gas, from manufacturing facilities that use it to sterilize medical devices. —Arkansas Online, 14 Mar. 2026

The Environmental Protection Agency proposes to roll back Biden-era limits on ethylene oxide, a carcinogen often used in medical sterilization. —Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026

Environmental groups are suing President Donald Trump and his administration in federal court over their moves to exempt medical sterilization facilities using the toxic gas ethylene oxide in Georgia and other states from tighter air emissions standards. —Drew Kann, AJC.com, 28 Jan. 2026

In 2023, researchers who conducted their own air monitoring in the industrial corridor of Louisiana known as Cancer Alley found much higher concentrations of ethylene oxide than expected. —Lisa Song, ProPublica, 7 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ethylene oxide

• aminoglycoside
• chlordiazepoxide
• dimethylformamide
• oligosaccharide
• paraformaldehyde
• polynucleotide
• ribonucleotide
• abide
• allied
• applied
• aside
• astride

Medical Definition

ethylene oxide

noun

: a colorless flammable toxic gaseous or liquid compound C₂H₄O used especially in synthesis (as of ethylene glycol) and in fumigation and sterilization (as of medical instruments)