Acetylene is a colourless gas which burns with a very hot bright flame. It is often used in lamps and for cutting and welding metal.
acetylene in British English
(əˈsɛtɪˌliːn)
noun
1.
a colourless flammable gas used in the manufacture of organic chemicals and in cutting and welding metals. Formula: C2H2
Systematic name: ethyne
2.
a. another name for alkyne
b.
(as modifier)
acetylene series
Derived forms
acetylenic (əˌsɛtɪˈlɛnɪk)
adjective
acetylene in American English
(əˈsɛtəlˌin)
noun
a colorless, poisonous, highly flammable gaseous hydrocarbon, HC⋮CH, produced by the reaction of water and calcium carbide: used in organic compound synthesis, for lighting, and with oxygen in welding: the simplest alkyne
Word origin
acetyl + -ene
Examples of 'acetylene' in a sentence
acetylene
Beside him, strings of fishing boats put out to sea, their large lights, dazzling like acetylene, mounted in hats at the stern.
Harvey, John COUP D'ETAT (1999)
"The bar had its own interior light, a small acetylene lamp.
Baxter, Stephen ANTI-ICE (1999)
I noticed now that there were other acetylene mantles set at intervals around the walls of the Cabin.
Baxter, Stephen ANTI-ICE (1999)
Old oxygen and acetylene tanks and welding equipment along with an old Plymouth van.
J. A. Jance BREACH OF DUTY (1999)
Word lists with
acetylene
Types of gas
All related terms of 'acetylene'
acetylene lamp
a lamp that works on acetylene
acetylene torch
a piece of equipment that burns with a hot flame powered by acetylene and is used for welding , brazing , or soldering
acetylene burner
a piece of equipment that burns with a hot flame powered by acetylene and is used for welding , brazing , or soldering