ethephon

noun
eth·​e·​phon | \ ˈe-thə-ˌfän How to pronounce ethephon (audio) \

Definition of ethephon

: a synthetic plant growth regulator C2H6ClO3P that induces flowering and abscission by promoting the release of ethylene and has been used to cause early ripening (as of apples on the tree)

First Known Use of ethephon

1971, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for ethephon

ethyl + phosphonic acid (a dibasic organic acid)

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