əˈsed. ə lə̇n, -et ə l-, -lˌēn noun
( -s )
Etymology: acetyl + -ene
1.
a. : a colorless gaseous hydrocarbon HC≡CH containing a triple bond that is explosive when compressed but safe if diluted with nitrogen or acetone, that is made by the action of water on calcium carbide or by pyrolysis or oxidation of other hydrocarbons, and that is used in welding and soldering, for removing paint and for illuminating, and for many organic syntheses — called also ethyne
b. : alkyne
2.
a. : the tetravalent radical >CHCH
b. : the bivalent radical — CH = CH —