ethylating
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˈɛθɪleɪtɪŋ/
KK: /ˈɛθɪleɪtɪŋ/
adjective
Definition
Relating to the process of adding an ethyl group to a molecule, often in chemical reactions.
Example
The ethylating agent was used to modify the compound's properties.
Conversation
I was reading about some ethylating agents in chemistry today.
Oh really? What did you find out about them?
They actually serve to ethylate different compounds in reactions.
That sounds interesting! I never knew chemistry could be so complex.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
alkylating
methylating
substituting
Antonyms
deethylating
removing
diluting
verb
Definition
To introduce an ethyl group into a compound, often in a chemical reaction.
Example
The chemist is ethylating the compound to enhance its properties.
Tense Forms
Past: ethylated
Past Participle: ethylated
Conversation
I was reading about how scientists are ethylating compounds to improve their properties.
That sounds interesting! What does that actually mean?
It basically involves adding an ethyl group to a molecule, which can change how it behaves.
Root Explanation
Ethylating → It is formed from "ethyl" (from the Greek word "aithylios", meaning volatile) and "-ate" (a suffix used in chemistry to indicate a process). The word "ethylating" refers to the process of introducing an ethyl group into a compound.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'ethyl' as relating to something volatile, and remember that 'ethylating' means to introduce this volatile group into another substance.
Visually Confused Words
methylation