1. Plural of ethylene; a colorless, flammable gas (C₂H₄) used in the production of plastics, synthetic fibers, and other chemicals.
Usage: chemistry; commonly used in industrial and scientific contexts
2. Plural of ethylene; organic compounds containing a carbon-carbon double bond, derived from or related to ethylene.
Usage: chemistry; technical usage

Examples

• Ethylenes are essential building blocks in the petrochemical industry.
• The production of ethylenes from crude oil is a major industrial process.
• Ethylenes are used to manufacture polyethylene plastics.
• Different ethylenes have varying reactivity depending on their molecular structure.
• The ripening of fruit is accelerated by exposure to ethylenes.
• Industrial chemists work with ethylenes to create synthetic materials.