Diethyl

/daɪˈɛθəl/ adjective

Definition

Describing a chemical compound containing two ethyl groups; used in names of organic chemicals.

Etymology

From 'di-' (two) + 'ethyl' (a hydrocarbon group derived from ethane). Used as a prefix or descriptor in chemical nomenclature.

Kelly Says

Diethyl compounds appear everywhere in the chemical world—diethyl ether was used as an anesthetic in surgery before better options were discovered, and diethylamide is the psychoactive component of LSD.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

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