cyclopropane

[ sahy-kluh-proh-peyn, sik-luh- ]
/ ˌsaɪ kləˈproʊ peɪn, ˌsɪk lə- /

noun Chemistry, Pharmacology.

a colorless, flammable gas, C3H6, used in organic synthesis and in medicine as an anesthetic.
Also called trimethylene.

Origin of cyclopropane

First recorded in 1890–95; cyclo- + propane

British Dictionary definitions for cyclopropane

cyclopropane
/ (ˌsaɪkləʊˈprəʊpeɪn, ˌsɪk-) /

noun

a colourless flammable gaseous hydrocarbon, used in medicine as an anaesthetic; trimethylene. It is a cycloalkane with molecules containing rings of three carbon atoms. Formula: C 3 H 6; boiling pt: –34°C

Scientific definitions for cyclopropane

cyclopropane
[ sī′klə-prōpān′, sĭk′lə- ]

A highly flammable, explosive, colorless gas that was once in wide use as an anesthetic but has been mostly replaced by less flammable gases. The three carbon atoms of cyclopropane form a triangular ring. Chemical formula: C3H6.