ketene
(kē′tēn′)
noun
- a colorless, toxic gas, HC∶CO, with a penetrating odor, made by passing acetone or acetic acid through hot metal tubes: used esp. as an acetylating agent
- any of a series of related organic compounds containing the C∶CO group
Origin:
ket(o)- + -ene
See ketene in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun A pungent, toxic, colorless gas, C2H2O, used chiefly as an acetylation agent.
Learn more about ketene