ethylene glycol

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Word: Ethylene Glycol

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: Ethylene glycol is a sweet, syrupy liquid that can be poisonous. It is commonly used as an antifreeze (to keep cars from freezing in cold weather) and as a solvent (a substance that dissolves other substances).

Usage Instructions:

• Ethylene glycol is primarily used in industrial and automotive applications. It is not safe for drinking or consumption, so it should be handled with care.
• When talking about cars, you might say, "Make sure to add ethylene glycol to the radiator to prevent freezing."

Example Sentence:

• "The mechanic advised me to check the level of ethylene glycol in my car's cooling system."

Advanced Usage:

In more technical contexts, ethylene glycol may be discussed in relation to chemical engineering or environmental science. For instance: - "Ethylene glycol is a key component in the production of polyester fibers and resins."

Word Variants:

• Ethylene (the base compound): A colorless gas used in the production of plastics and chemicals.
• Glycol: Refers to a class of substances that are alcohols with two hydroxyl groups (-OH).

Different Meanings:

• While ethylene glycol itself has a specific meaning, "glycol" can refer to other types of glycols (like propylene glycol), which have different properties and uses.

Synonyms:

• Antifreeze (in the context of its use)
• Glycol (in broader chemical discussions)

Related Terms:

• Toxic: A word describing something that can cause harm or illness (ethylene glycol is toxic if ingested).
• Solvent: A substance that dissolves other materials.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to ethylene glycol, but you might use general terms like "cooling down" when discussing its application in preventing overheating in engines.

Safety Note:

It is important to note that ethylene glycol is poisonous if ingested. Always keep it out of reach of children and pets, and follow safety instructions when handling it. If someone accidentally consumes ethylene glycol, it is crucial to seek medical help immediately.

Summary:

Ethylene glycol is a sweet, poisonous liquid mainly used as an antifreeze and solvent.

Academic

Noun

1. a sweet but poisonous syrupy liquid used as an antifreeze and solvent

Synonyms

• glycol
• ethanediol