Definition

A colorless gas that is highly flammable and can be explosive, often used in medical settings as an anesthetic.

Example

Cyclopropane is sometimes used in surgeries as an anesthetic due to its properties.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of cyclopropane?

Yeah, I read that it’s used as an anesthetic sometimes.

Right? It’s interesting how something so flammable can be useful in medicine.

Exactly! Science has some pretty cool applications for these chemicals.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cyclopropane is formed from "cyclo-" (from Greek "kyklos", meaning circle) and "propane" (from the Greek "propanon", meaning a three-carbon alkane). The word describes a three-carbon alkane arranged in a circular structure.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'circle' ('cyclo-') made of 'three' ('propane') carbon atoms — that's what cyclopropane is.

Visually Confused Words