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 rules that facilities are exempt from complying with include those aimed at reducing releases of ethylene oxide — a cancer-causing gas used in sterilization and chloroprene — which is used to make neoprene and is considered a likely carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). —Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 22 Oct. 2025

Higher autism severity scores and weaker daily living skills were also linked with ethylene oxide. —Sharon Lerner, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2025

Higher autism severity scores and weaker daily living skills were also linked with ethylene oxide. —Sharon Lerner, ProPublica, 21 Aug. 2025

One proclamation targeted exemptions at 39 medical equipment manufacturing facilities, which often use the gas ethylene oxide to sterilize their products. —Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 25 July 2025

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)