acetylene

noun

acet·​y·​lene ə-ˈse-tᵊl-ən How to pronounce acetylene (audio)
-tᵊl-ˌēn
: a colorless gaseous hydrocarbon HC≡CH used chiefly in organic synthesis and as a fuel (as in welding and soldering)
acetylenic
ə-ˌse-tᵊl-ˈē-nik How to pronounce acetylene (audio)
-ˈe-nik
adjective

Examples of acetylene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And at the time, the Model T had acetylene lamps in the front. — Quartz Staff, Quartz, 19 Mar. 2024 Finally, an acetylene torch was needed to light the pilot light. — Larry Printz, Ars Technica, 4 Oct. 2023 Welding or operating acetylene or other open-flame torch devices. — Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 6 June 2024 The gang makes it out of that situation more or less fine, but surprise — acetylene has been leaking out accidentally the entire time. — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for acetylene

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French acétylène, from acétyle acetyl + -ène -ene

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of acetylene was in 1851

Rhymes for acetylene

See All Rhymes for acetylene

Browse Nearby Words

acetylenation
acetylene
acetylene black
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Acetylene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acetylene. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

acetylene

noun
acet·​y·​lene ə-ˈset-ᵊl-ən How to pronounce acetylene (audio)
-ᵊl-ˌēn
: a compound of carbon and hydrogen that is a colorless gas used chiefly in welding and soldering and in making chemical compounds

Medical Definition

acetylene

noun
acet·​y·​lene ə-ˈset-ᵊl-ən How to pronounce acetylene (audio) -ᵊl-ˌēn How to pronounce acetylene (audio)
: a colorless gaseous hydrocarbon HC≡CH made especially by the action of water on calcium carbide and used chiefly in organic synthesis and as a fuel (as in welding and soldering)

called also ethyne

acetylenic
ə-ˌset-ᵊl-ˈē-nik How to pronounce acetylene (audio) -ˈen-ik How to pronounce acetylene (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on acetylene

Nglish: Translation of acetylene for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about acetylene

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