Ethanol Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ธ
ethanol
[หษฮธษnษl ]
Definitions
chemistry
Ethanol is a clear, colorless liquid that is commonly used as a fuel, solvent, and in alcoholic beverages. It is also known as ethyl alcohol.
Synonyms
ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ethanol |
Ethanol is commonly used in scientific and industrial contexts. It is frequently referenced in academic papers, laboratory environments, and industrial applications such as fuel and solvents.
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| ethyl alcohol |
Ethyl alcohol is often used in medical and pharmaceutical settings. It is also used in contexts where a layperson needs to understand that it is the same substance as the more technical 'ethanol'.
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| grain alcohol |
Grain alcohol is typically used when referring to the substance's origin, especially in contexts related to alcohol production, beverages, and sometimes in culinary uses. It can also appear in discussions about homemade or artisanal products.
|
Examples of usage
- Many hand sanitizers contain ethanol as the active ingredient.
- Ethanol is often used as a solvent in laboratory experiments.
medicine
In medicine, ethanol is sometimes used as an antiseptic to disinfect skin before injections or surgery.
Synonyms
ethyl alcohol.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ethanol |
This term is widely used in scientific, chemical, and medical contexts to refer to the alcohol that can be found in alcoholic beverages and used as a fuel or solvent.
|
| ethyl alcohol |
This term is often used in a more technical or formal setting to describe ethanol, particularly when distinguishing it from other types of alcohol.
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Examples of usage
- The nurse applied ethanol to the patient's skin before administering the injection.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Ethanol is produced by the fermentation of sugars, most commonly from crops like corn and sugarcane, and is a key renewable resource.
- It's not just used in drinks; ethanol can also be blended with gasoline to create a more environmentally friendly fuel.
- As a solvent, ethanol is critical in the production of perfumes, drugs, and personal care products.
Cultural Significance
- Ethanol has been used for thousands of years; ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, brewed alcoholic beverages that contained ethanol.
- The Prohibition era in the United States (1920-1933) significantly impacted ethanol production, leading to underground distilleries and speakeasies.
- Many cultures have developed unique alcoholic beverages based on fermentation processes involving ethanol, contributing to their culinary traditions.
Health and Safety
- While ethanol is widely consumed, excessive use can lead to addiction and health issues, highlighting the importance of responsible drinking.
- Ethanol's intoxicating effects were first documented in ancient medical texts, noting both its social benefits and potential dangers.
- Despite its recreational uses, ethanol is also used in medical settings as a disinfectant and antiseptic.
Environmental Impact
- Ethanol can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions when used as a fuel compared to traditional fossil fuels.
- The use of ethanol as biofuel is part of a larger strategy to promote sustainable energy sources and reduce dependency on oil.
- Research has shown that growing crops for ethanol can have both positive and negative impacts on land use and biodiversity.
Origin of 'ethanol'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'ethanol' comes from 'ethyl' (meaning a specific group of chemical compounds) and 'alcohol', indicating it's an alcohol made from ethyl.
- Ethanol was first isolated in 1796 by a French chemist named Antoine Lavoisier, helping establish it as a distinct chemical substance.
- The prefix 'eth-' relates to the Greek word 'aithฤr', meaning 'upper air', linking it to the substance's floating nature in the air.
The term 'ethanol' is derived from the Greek word 'ethanos', meaning 'wine'. Ethanol has been used by humans for thousands of years, primarily in the form of alcoholic beverages. The production of ethanol on an industrial scale began in the 19th century with the development of fermentation and distillation processes.