n. (Chem.) A gaseous compound of carbon and hydrogen, in the proportion of two atoms of the former to two of the latter. It is a colorless gas, with a peculiar, unpleasant odor, and is produced for use as an illuminating gas in a number of ways, but chiefly by the action of water on calcium carbide. Its light is very brilliant. Watts. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. Of or pertaining to a mixture of oxygen and actylene;
n. A torch designed to mix oxygen and actylene at its tip, to create a very hot flame for welding, cutting steel, and other metal working. [ PJC ]