oxyacetylene

[ ok-see-uh-set-l-een, -in ]

adjective

1. noting or pertaining to a mixture of oxygen and acetylene:

   an oxyacetylene torch.

noun

1. a mixture of oxygen and acetylene, used in a blowtorch for cutting steel plates or the like.

oxyacetylene

/ ˌɒksɪəˈsɛtɪˌliːn /

noun

1. 1. a mixture of oxygen and acetylene; used in a blowpipe for cutting or welding metals at high temperatures
   2. ( as modifier )

      an oxyacetylene burner

Word History and Origins

Origin of oxyacetylene¹

First recorded in 1905–10; oxy- ² + acetylene

Example Sentences

When it comes to getting kids interested, the opportunity to use an oxyacetylene torch doesn’t hurt.

From Washington Post

When he joined the London Symphony in 1974, the trombone section there was anchored by two players humorously known as the “oxyacetylene twins,” after the material used to cut through metal: “The whole volume of the orchestra went up.”

From New York Times

Then they researched effective ways to pierce steel pipes, and in March, they went to Mahaska County and used “oxyacetylene cutting torches to pierce through exposed, empty steel valves, successfully delaying completion of the pipeline for weeks,” Ms. Reznicek said.

From New York Times

More than two years ago, two women faced reporters in front of an Iowa government building and said they had tried to delay the installation of the Dakota Access Pipeline by setting fire to heavy machinery and using oxyacetylene torches to pierce steel valves.

From New York Times

Some pipeline opponents have conducted dangerous and illegal stunts, cutting pipelines with oxyacetylene torches or closing valves, but the majority of protests have been peaceful.

From Washington Post