n.1 Chem. a a colourless volatile organic liquid used as an anaesthetic or solvent. Also called DIETHYL ETHER, ETHOXYETHANE.
Usage:
Chem. formula: C2H5OC2H5 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.
Derivatives:
etheric adj.
Etymology: ME f. OF ether or L aether f. Gk aither f. root of aitho burn, shine