Chem. [f. ETH- + -INE.] The systematic name (see -INE) of the gaseous hydrocarbon C2 H2, the bi-carbon member of the series Cn H2n–2, called also ACETYLENE.
1877. Watts, Fownes’ Chem., II. 61. When an electric arc from a powerful voltaic battery passes between carbon poles in an atmosphere of hydrogen, the carbon and hydrogen unite in the proportion to form ethine.
