ethylene oxide

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a colorless, odorless, gaseous, toxic, ring compound, C 2 H 4 O, usually obtained by the oxidation of ethylene: used chiefly in the synthesis of ethylene glycol.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ethylene oxide¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Pulmonary embolism is the third leading cause of death brought on by cardiovascular disease, which researchers have linked to higher exposure of ethylene oxide.

From ProPublica

Since then, studies have found that exposure to ethylene oxide and benzene, which Garrett’s dad said he worked closely with, has been associated with higher rates of that kind of cancer.

From ProPublica

So the EPA allowed facilities to estimate their emissions of hazardous air pollutants, also called air toxics, like hexavalent chromium and ethylene oxide that can cause cancer, respiratory illnesses, heart problems and other ailments.

From ProPublica

Our analysis found that ethylene oxide is the biggest contributor to excess industrial cancer risk from air pollutants nationwide.

From ProPublica

One drawback, common to both ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, is toxicity.

From Project Gutenberg

Propylene oxide is less toxic than ethylene oxide but is still highly toxic.

From Project Gutenberg

Left alone in a fuel air explosive weapon or other container, ethylene oxide tends to self polymerize.

From Project Gutenberg

Unpolymerized ethylene oxide, on the 50 other hand is highly desirable as a fuel insofar as detonability is concerned.

From Project Gutenberg