1. a colorless, flammable gas (C₂H₂) produced by the reaction of calcium carbide with water, used in welding torches and as a fuel.
Usage: chemistry; industrial

Examples

• The welder used an acetylene torch to join the metal pieces together.
• Acetylene gas burns with a bright, hot flame suitable for cutting steel.
• Before modern electric welding, acetylene was the primary fuel for welding operations.
• The acetylene lamp was once a common source of light for miners and explorers.
• Acetylene is produced industrially and stored in special pressurized cylinders.