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
But beware the ethylene producers like apples and bananas.
—
Aly Walansky, Southern Living, 28 July 2024
How to Store Celery 3 Ways The two main enemies of celery: dry conditions and ethylene gas.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 July 2024
These strategies prevent moisture loss and the buildup of ethylene, a ripening hormone that can eventually cause rotting.
—Kristen Hartke, Washington Post, 2 July 2024
Broccoli is one of several produce items that are sensitive to ethylene gas, which is naturally emitted by some fruits and vegetables (including apples, avocados, pears, and peppers), and speeds up the ripening process of any sensitive produce picks in their vicinity.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for ethylene 
Aly Walansky, Southern Living, 28 July 2024
How to Store Celery 3 Ways The two main enemies of celery: dry conditions and ethylene gas.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 July 2024
These strategies prevent moisture loss and the buildup of ethylene, a ripening hormone that can eventually cause rotting.
—Kristen Hartke, Washington Post, 2 July 2024
Broccoli is one of several produce items that are sensitive to ethylene gas, which is naturally emitted by some fruits and vegetables (including apples, avocados, pears, and peppers), and speeds up the ripening process of any sensitive produce picks in their vicinity.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for ethylene
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Cite this Entry
“Ethylene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethylene. Accessed 18 Aug. 2024.
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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