Refers to the chemical compound diethyl ether, historically used as an anesthetic, or the classical element believed to fill space. In modern contexts, it can also appear in physics and chemistry terminology.
from Dutch
In the past, ether anesthesia was sometimes used during surgery.
In the 19th century, ether was used as an anesthetic.
In ancient Greece, ether was thought to be the element that fills the heavens.
This substance dissolves easily in ether.
methyl ether
crown ether; macrocyclic polyether
Borrowed from Dutch 'ether', ultimately from Latin 'aethēr', from Ancient Greek 'αἰθήρ' (aithḗr, 'upper air').