ethephon

[ eth-uh-fon ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a solid compound, C 2 H 6 ClO 3 P, used as a growth regulator to accelerate the ripening of tomatoes, citrus fruit, apples, and other crops.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ethephon¹

First recorded in 1970–75; shortening of the chemical name 2-chloroethanephosphonic acid; chlor- ², ethane, phospho-, -onic

Example Sentences

The pesticide, later found to be Ethephon 2, is used to ripen fruits like cantaloupes and blackberries.

From Salon