ethylene oxide
noun
: a colorless flammable toxic compound C2H4O used especially in synthesis (as of ethylene glycol) and in sterilization and fumigation
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The agency said ethylene oxide emissions could pose an elevated risk of cancer and other ailments. 
Fox News, 5 Aug. 2022 Laredo, Texas; Ardmore, Oklahoma; and Lakewood, Colorado, are among the communities facing the highest risk from ethylene oxide emissions, EPA said. Matthew Daly, ajc, 3 Aug. 2022 These chemicals, such as methyl bromide, ethylene oxide, and phosphine, can cause myriad symptoms, ranging from nausea and skin irritation to seizures and even death. Chris Baraniuk, Wired, 16 July 2022 In suburban Chicago, one of its facilities was shut down due to elevated levels of ethylene oxide. Tony Briscoestaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 9 Aug. 2022 The Environmental Protection Agency is warning residents who live near medical sterilizing plants in 13 states and Puerto Rico about potential health risks from emissions of ethylene oxide, a chemical widely used in their operations. Fox News, 3 Aug. 2022 The Environmental Protection Agency is warning residents who live near medical sterilizing plants in 13 states and Puerto Rico about potential health risks from emissions of ethylene oxide, a chemical widely used in their operations. Matthew Daly, ajc, 3 Aug. 2022 Exposure to ethylene oxide can cause various unpleasant symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Chris Baraniuk, Wired, 16 July 2022 One of the larger campaign issues during last year’s mayoral election was the emission of ethylene oxide (EtO) from Vantage Specialty, Inc., a chemical company based in Gurnee that was emitting the gas into the air. Erin Yarnall, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2022 See More
Fox News, 5 Aug. 2022 Laredo, Texas; Ardmore, Oklahoma; and Lakewood, Colorado, are among the communities facing the highest risk from ethylene oxide emissions, EPA said. Matthew Daly, ajc, 3 Aug. 2022 These chemicals, such as methyl bromide, ethylene oxide, and phosphine, can cause myriad symptoms, ranging from nausea and skin irritation to seizures and even death. Chris Baraniuk, Wired, 16 July 2022 In suburban Chicago, one of its facilities was shut down due to elevated levels of ethylene oxide. Tony Briscoestaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 9 Aug. 2022 The Environmental Protection Agency is warning residents who live near medical sterilizing plants in 13 states and Puerto Rico about potential health risks from emissions of ethylene oxide, a chemical widely used in their operations. Fox News, 3 Aug. 2022 The Environmental Protection Agency is warning residents who live near medical sterilizing plants in 13 states and Puerto Rico about potential health risks from emissions of ethylene oxide, a chemical widely used in their operations. Matthew Daly, ajc, 3 Aug. 2022 Exposure to ethylene oxide can cause various unpleasant symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Chris Baraniuk, Wired, 16 July 2022 One of the larger campaign issues during last year’s mayoral election was the emission of ethylene oxide (EtO) from Vantage Specialty, Inc., a chemical company based in Gurnee that was emitting the gas into the air. Erin Yarnall, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
1866, in the meaning defined above
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)