ethephon

[ eth-uh-fon ]
/ ˈɛθ əˌfɒn /

noun Chemistry.

a solid compound, C2H6ClO3P, used as a growth regulator to accelerate the ripening of tomatoes, citrus fruit, apples, and other crops.

Origin of ethephon

1970–75; as shortening of the chemical name 2-chloroethanephosphonic acid; see chlor(o)-2, ethane, phospho-, -onic