1. A hydrocarbon containing at least one carbon-carbon double bond; an alkene.
Usage: chemistry; also called alkene

Examples

• Ethylene is the simplest olefin, containing one double bond between two carbon atoms.
• Olefins are important raw materials in the petrochemical industry.
• The reaction of olefins with bromine produces a characteristic color change.
• Propylene is an olefin used to manufacture plastics and other chemicals.
• Olefins undergo addition reactions more readily than alkanes because of their double bonds.