alkene

noun

al·​kene ˈal-ˌkēn How to pronounce alkene (audio)
: any of numerous unsaturated hydrocarbons having one double bond
specifically : any of a series of open-chain hydrocarbons CnH2n (such as ethylene)

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary alkyl + -ene

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alkene was in 1884

Dictionary Entries Near alkene

Cite this Entry

“Alkene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alkene. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

alkene

noun
al·​kene ˈal-ˌkēn How to pronounce alkene (audio)
: any of numerous unsaturated hydrocarbons having one double bond
specifically : any of a series of aliphatic hydrocarbons CnH2n (as ethylene)

More from Merriam-Webster on alkene

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!