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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
Meanwhile, several people have sued the sterilizing company, claiming their health has been affected by the ethylene oxide emissions.
—Andy Miller, USA TODAY, 29 Apr. 2024
The rule targets ethylene oxide, used for sterilizing medical devices, and chloroprene, used to make rubber in footwear, plus four other chemicals.
—Peter Weber, theweek, 10 Apr. 2024
Art Wager On Tuesday, the US Environmental Protection Agency announced new rules that are intended to cut emissions of two chemicals that have been linked to elevated incidence of cancer: ethylene oxide and chloroprene.
—John Timmer, Ars Technica, 9 Apr. 2024
ProPublica’s analysis of emissions data found that between 2014 and 2018 ethylene oxide was the single biggest contributor to excess industrial cancer risk from air pollutants nationwide.
—Ava Kofman, ProPublica, 16 Apr. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1866, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near ethylene oxide
Cite this Entry
“Ethylene oxide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethylene%20oxide. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
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)
More from Merriam-Webster on ethylene oxide
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ethylene oxide
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