noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun

1. 1
   Any of a class of organic compound, cyclic ethers, having a three-membered ring; they are prepared by the selective oxidation of alkenes or by ring-closure of halohydrins; used to make plastics.
2. 2
   Any similar compound in which an ether linkage has been made across a larger ring.

Synonyms

All synonyms

alkylene oxide

Etymology

From ep- + oxy.