Definition

A clear, colorless gas that can easily catch fire or explode. It is used mainly for welding metal and in some chemical processes.

Example

Acetylene is commonly used in welding due to its high flame temperature.

Conversation

Have you ever worked with acetylene for welding?

Yeah, I used it once in a metal shop class.

I heard it's really effective for cutting metal.

It is! The heat it produces is amazing.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Acetylene is formed from "acetic" (from Latin *aceticus*, meaning sour or vinegar-like) and "-ylene" (a suffix used in organic chemistry to denote unsaturated hydrocarbons). The word refers to a compound related to acetic acid, characterized by its triple bond structure, which is used in welding and as a fuel.

Memory Tip

Think of 'acetic' which relates to vinegar, and remember that 'acetylene' is a compound associated with that sourness, but used for powerful applications like welding.

Visually Confused Words