ethephon

ethephon [eth-uh-fon] Word Origin noun Chemistry.

1. a solid compound, C2H6ClO3P, used as a growth regulator to accelerate the ripening of tomatoes, citrus fruit, apples, and other crops.

Origin of ethephon 1970–75; as shortening of the chemical name 2-chloroethanephosphonic acid; see chlor(o)-2, ethane, phospho-, -onic