diethylene glycol

[ dahy-eth-uh-leen glahy-kawl, ‐kol ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a syrupy colorless liquid, C 4 H 10 O 3 , used as a solvent for nitrocellulose and as a fabric softener.

diethylene glycol

/ daɪˈɛθɪˌliːn ˈɡlaɪkɒl /

noun

1. a colourless soluble, poisonous liquid used as a solvent. Formula: (C 2 H 4 OH) 2 O

Word History and Origins

Origin of diethylene glycol¹

First recorded in 1925–30; di- ¹ + ethylene