acetylene

noun

acet·​y·​lene ə-ˈse-tᵊl-ən How to pronounce acetylene (audio)
-tᵊl-ˌēn
: a colorless gaseous hydrocarbon HC≡CH used chiefly in organic synthesis and as a fuel (as in welding and soldering)
acetylenic adjective

Examples of acetylene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Finally, an acetylene torch was needed to light the pilot light. Larry Printz, Ars Technica, 4 Oct. 2023 The researchers also found evidence of several other organic compounds, including acetylene, propene and ethane, which also signal the moon’s potential to support life. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Dec. 2023 Most of their early manhole explosion research focused on the conditions that lead to an explosion, which turns out to be a certain mixture of carbon monoxide, methane, ethylene and acetylene. Carl Engelking, Discover Magazine, 27 Mar. 2015 The man accused of cracking safes around Greater Cincinnati with an acetylene torch is now facing even more charges. Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 31 Aug. 2023 Welding, metal grinding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame except by permit. NBC News, 15 July 2023 It was created with an acetylene torch, creating fissures of holes and bumps throughout the jagged piece. Anthony Demarco, Forbes, 26 Mar. 2023 How much are acetylene torches? John Phillips, Car and Driver, 28 Nov. 2022 An acetylene torch ignited in my chest. Tony Dajer, Discover Magazine, 20 Mar. 2013

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'acetylene.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French acétylène, from acétyle acetyl + -ène -ene

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of acetylene was in 1851

Dictionary Entries Near acetylene

Cite this Entry

“Acetylene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acetylene. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

acetylene

noun
acet·​y·​lene ə-ˈset-ᵊl-ən How to pronounce acetylene (audio)
-ᵊl-ˌēn
: a compound of carbon and hydrogen that is a colorless gas used chiefly in welding and soldering and in making chemical compounds

Medical Definition

acetylene

noun
acet·​y·​lene ə-ˈset-ᵊl-ən How to pronounce acetylene (audio) -ᵊl-ˌēn How to pronounce acetylene (audio)
: a colorless gaseous hydrocarbon HC≡CH made especially by the action of water on calcium carbide and used chiefly in organic synthesis and as a fuel (as in welding and soldering)

called also ethyne

acetylenic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on acetylene

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