- A colorless, gaseous hydrocarbon, C2H4, forming an
important ingredient of illuminating gas, and also obtained by the
action of concentrated sulphuric acid in alcohol. It is an unsaturated
compound and combines directly with chlorine and bromine to form oily
liquids (Dutch liquid), -- hence called olefiant gas. Called also
ethene, elayl, and formerly, bicarbureted hydrogen.
Definition
[ n.]