1. Any organic compound in which two carbon atoms are independently linked to a common oxygen atom, thus containing the group –C–O–C–. SEE ALSO: epoxy. 2. Loosely used to refer to diethyl e. or an anesthetic e., although a large number of ethers have anesthetic properties. For individual ethers, see the specific name. [G. aither, the pure upper air]
- anesthetic e. general designation for many ethers.
- glycol ethers chemicals such as ethylene glycol monomethyl e. and ethylene glycol monoethyl e.; they are teratogens which induce testicular atrophy in animals.
- solvent e. a fairly pure form of e. (C4H10O) but not sufficiently pure for anesthesia; used as a solvent.
- xylostyptic e. SYN: styptic collodion.
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ether 'ē-thər n
1) a medium that in the wave theory of light permeates all space and transmits transverse waves
2 a) a light volatile flammable liquid C4H10O used esp. formerly chiefly as an anesthetic called also diethyl ether, ethyl ether, ethyl oxide
b) any of various organic compounds characterized by an oxygen atom attached to two carbon atoms
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n.
a volatile liquid formerly used as an anaesthetic administered by inhalation, though now largely replaced by safer and more efficient drugs. It also has laxative action when administered by mouth. Ether irritates the respiratory tract and affects the circulation.
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(eґthər) [L. aether, from Gr. aithēr “the upper and purer airâ€] 1. an organic compound having an oxygen atom bonded to two carbon atoms; general formula, R–O–R′. 2. [USP] a colorless, volatile, flammable liquid, C2H5OC2H5, with a characteristic odor; the first inhalational anesthetic used for surgical anesthesia (1846), now little used because of its flammability. Called also diethyl e. and ethyl e.Medical dictionary. 2011.