acetylene

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

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a colorless gas, C 2 H 2 , having an etherlike odor, produced usually by the action of water on calcium carbide or by pyrolysis of natural gas: used especially in metal cutting and welding, as an illuminant, and in organic synthesis.

acetylene

/ əˌsɛtɪˈlɛnɪk; əˈsɛtɪˌliːn /

noun

1. a colourless flammable gas used in the manufacture of organic chemicals and in cutting and welding metals. Formula: C 2 H 2 Systematic nameethyne
2. 1. another name for alkyne
   2. ( as modifier )

      acetylene series

acetylene

/ ə-sĕt′l-ēn′,-ən /

1. A colorless, highly flammable or explosive gas with a characteristic sweet odor. It is used in welding torches and in the manufacture of organic chemicals such as vinyl chloride. Acetylene is the simplest alkyne, consisting of two carbon atoms joined by a triple bond and each attached to a single hydrogen atom. Also called ethyne. Chemical formula: C 2 H 2 .

Derived Forms

• acetylenic, adjective

Other Words From

• a·cet·y·len·ic [uh, -set-l-, en, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of acetylene¹

First recorded in 1860–65; acetyl + -ene

Example Sentences

Acetylene gas is now used in a safe apparatus, and it also is an excellent light.

From Project Gutenberg

We re-charged the acetylene lamps, for we intended to sit up late.

From Project Gutenberg

An engineer regiment was fighting the water in the Place de la Concorde by the light of acetylene lamps.

From Project Gutenberg

Such a solution is an absorbent of carbon monoxide; it also absorbs ethylene and acetylene.

From Project Gutenberg

Jones had been charging the acetylene generators and by some means one of them caught fire.

From Project Gutenberg