Ethylene

Ethylene - definition from Biology-Online.org

[(Science: chemical plant biology) plant growth substance (phytohormone, plant hormone), involved in promoting growth, epinasty, fruit ripening, senescence and breaking of dormancy. Its action is closely linked with that of auxin. a flammable colorless gaseous alkene; obtained from petroleum and natural gas and used in manufacturing many other chemicals; sometimes used as an anesthetic.Ethylene is a type of hydrocarbon that can act as a plant hormone. in plants, it prevents cells from elongating and promotes leaf Abscission, while sometimes being responsible for the ripening of fruit.

MediLexicon ethylene - Medical Dictionary Definition for Term 'ethylene'

[1. An explosive constituent of ordinary illuminating gas; hastens ripening of fruit.