ethylene oxide

noun

: a colorless flammable toxic compound C2H4O used especially in synthesis (as of ethylene glycol) and in sterilization and fumigation

Examples of ethylene oxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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During the first Trump administration, chemical companies or their representatives repeatedly filed requests for changes to final EPA toxicity assessments on ethylene oxide and chloroprene. H. Christopher Frey, The Conversation, 5 June 2025 Cunningham said the environmental specialist is needed based on Waukegan’s history of environmental issues, from five Superfund sites to coal ash and ethylene oxide. Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2025 DeCarlo was part of a team of researchers that found the toxic gas ethylene oxide in parts of Louisiana at levels that were significantly higher than EPA estimates for the region. Michael Copley, NPR, 22 May 2025 Szabo has lobbied on behalf of the sterilization industry on issues related to its use of the toxic chemical ethylene oxide. Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 12 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ethylene oxide

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ethylene oxide was in 1866

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Cite this Entry

“Ethylene oxide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethylene%20oxide. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

ethylene oxide

noun
: a colorless flammable toxic gaseous or liquid compound C2H4O used especially in synthesis (as of ethylene glycol) and in fumigation and sterilization (as of medical instruments)

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