Cumulene

/ˈkjuːmjəliːn/ noun

Definition

An organic chemical compound with multiple double bonds arranged in a specific chain pattern, used in advanced chemistry.

Etymology

From Latin 'cumulus' (heap, pile) + chemical suffix '-ene' (indicating double bonds). The term emerged in 20th-century organic chemistry to describe compounds where double bonds accumulate consecutively.

Kelly Says

Cumulenes are nature's version of molecular spring coils—the double bonds stack up in a way that gives them unique twisty properties that scientists use to build sophisticated molecules and study how chemistry works at tiny scales.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.