n. 1 Chem. a a colourless volatile organic liquid used as an anaesthetic or solvent. Also called DIETHYL ETHER, ETHOXYETHANE. °Chem. formula: C
[ 2 ]
H
[ 5 ]
OC
[ 2 ]
H
[ 5 ]
. b any of a class of organic compounds with a similar structure to this, having an oxygen joined to two alkyl etc. groups. 2 a clear sky; the upper regions of air beyond the clouds. 3 hist. a a medium formerly assumed to permeate space and fill the interstices between particles of matter. b a medium through which electromagnetic waves were formerly thought to be transmitted. etheric adj.
[ ME f. OF ether or L aether f. Gk aither f. root of aitho burn, shine ]