1. (Physics)
Defn: A medium of great elasticity and extreme tenuity, supposed to pervade all space, the interior of solid bodies not excepted, and to be the medium of transmission of light and heat; hence often called luminiferous ether.
2. Supposed matter above the air; the air itself.
3. (Chem.) (a) A light, volatile, mobile, inflammable liquid, (C2H5)2O, of a characteristic aromatic odor, obtained by the distillation of alcohol with sulphuric acid, and hence called also sulphuric ether. It is powerful solvent of fats, resins, and pyroxylin, but finds its chief use as an anæsthetic. Called also ethyl oxide.ethyl ether. (b) Any similar oxide of hydrocarbon radicals; as, amyl ether; valeric ether. Complex ether, Mixed ether (Chem.), an oxide of two different radicals in the same molecule; as, ethyl methyl ether, C2H5.O.CH3. — Compound ether (Chem.), an ethereal salt or a salt of some hydrocarbon as the base; an ester. — Ether engine (Mach.), a condensing engine like a steam engine, but operated by the vapor of ether instead of by steam.
ETHEREAL
E*the"re*al, a.
1. Pertaining to the hypothetical upper, purer air, or to the higher regions beyond the earth or beyond the atmosphere; celestial; as, ethereal space; ethereal regions. Go, heavenly guest, ethereal messenger. Milton.
2. Consisting of ether; hence, exceedingly light or airy; tenuous; spiritlike; characterized by extreme delicacy, as form, manner, thought, etc. Vast chain of being, which from God began, Natures ethereal, human, angel, man. Pope.
3. (Chem.)
Defn: Pertaining to, derived from, or resembling, ether; as, ethereal salts. Ethereal oil. (Chem.) See Essential oil, under Essential. — Ethereal oil of wine (Chem.), a heavy, yellow, oily liquid consisting essentially of etherin, etherol, and ethyl sulphate. It is the oily residuum left after etherification. Called also heavy oil of wine (distinguished from oil of wine, or oenanthic ether). — Ethereal salt (Chem.), a salt of some organic radical as a base; an ester.
ETHEREALISM
E*the"re*al*ism, n.