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
Recent Examples on the Web
Store whole pomegranates in the refrigerator for up to two months, and keep them away from ethylene-producing fruits like apples.
—
Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 16 Feb. 2026
The idea behind this flower hack is that the vodka keeps the bacteria in the water at bay and prevents ethylene production.
—Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 13 Feb. 2026
This seems odd but ripening fruit releases small amounts of ethylene gas which can reduce the longevity of the arrangement.
—Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Feb. 2026
Keep Storage in Mind Crabtree and Higgins also recommend keeping potatoes away from onions or apples, as these foods release ethylene gas that can trigger sprouting.
—Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ethylene
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Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 16 Feb. 2026
The idea behind this flower hack is that the vodka keeps the bacteria in the water at bay and prevents ethylene production.
—Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 13 Feb. 2026
This seems odd but ripening fruit releases small amounts of ethylene gas which can reduce the longevity of the arrangement.
—Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Feb. 2026
Keep Storage in Mind Crabtree and Higgins also recommend keeping potatoes away from onions or apples, as these foods release ethylene gas that can trigger sprouting.
—Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ethylene
Cite this Entry
“Ethylene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethylene. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
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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