ˈprōpəˌlēn noun
( -s )
Etymology: propyl + -ene
1. : a flammable gaseous olefin hydrocarbon CH 3 CH = CH 2 obtained usually in petroleum refineries by cracking petroleum hydrocarbons and used chiefly in organic synthesis of compounds (as isopropyl alcohol, allyl chloride, cumene, propylene tetramer) with which benzene is alkylated for making detergents — called also propene ; see polypropylene
2. : the bivalent radical −CH(CH 3 )CH 2 − derived from propane by removal of two hydrogen atoms from adjacent carbon atoms or from propylene by breaking of the double bond — compare trimethylene