1. Also called: diethyl ether, ethyl ether, ethoxyethane
a colourless volatile highly flammable liquid with a characteristic sweetish odour, made by the reaction of sulphuric acid with ethanol: used as a solvent and anaesthetic. Formula: C2H5OC2H5
2.
any of a class of organic compounds with the general formula ROR′ where R and R′ are alkyl groups, as in diethyl ether C2H5OC2H5
3. the ether
4. Greek mythology
the upper regions of the atmosphere; clear sky or heaven
5. a rare word for air
Also (for senses 3–5): aether
Derived forms
etheric (iːˈθɛrɪk)
adjective
Word origin
C17: from Latin aether, from Greek aithēr, from aithein to burn