Definition

A colorless gas that is used as a fuel and a chemical building block, often associated with welding and cutting metals.

Example

The welder used ethyne to cut through the steel beams.

Conversation

Have you ever used ethyne for welding?

Yeah, I tried it once; it works really well.

I heard it's similar to acetylene, right?

Exactly! They have similar properties and uses.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Ethyne** → The word 'ethyne' is derived from 'eth-' (from the Greek 'aitho', meaning to burn) and '-yne' (a suffix used in organic chemistry to denote a triple bond). Ethyne refers to a hydrocarbon with a triple bond between carbon atoms, which is highly flammable, hence the connection to burning.

Memory Tip

Think of 'burning' ('aitho') when you remember that 'ethyne' is a flammable compound with a triple bond.

Visually Confused Words