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
Do not keep them near apples or pears, which release ethylene gas that will harm the bulbs.
—
Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 16 Oct. 2024
The reaction breaks all the carbon-carbon bonds in polyethylene and polypropylene, with the carbon atoms released during the breaking of these bonds ending up attached to molecules of ethylene.
—Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 21 Sep. 2024
This is due to ethylene, a gas that certain produce items like onions naturally emit and that other fruits and veggies can be sensitive to.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2024
When certain fresh foods are stored close together, the presence of ethylene can speed up the ripening—and spoiling—process.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ethylene 
Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 16 Oct. 2024
The reaction breaks all the carbon-carbon bonds in polyethylene and polypropylene, with the carbon atoms released during the breaking of these bonds ending up attached to molecules of ethylene.
—Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 21 Sep. 2024
This is due to ethylene, a gas that certain produce items like onions naturally emit and that other fruits and veggies can be sensitive to.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2024
When certain fresh foods are stored close together, the presence of ethylene can speed up the ripening—and spoiling—process.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ethylene
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ethylene.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near ethylene
Cite this Entry
“Ethylene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethylene. Accessed 4 Nov. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share