2. Supposed matter above the air; the air itself.
3. (Chem.)
(a) A light, volatile, mobile, inflammable liquid,
{(C2H5)2O}, of a characteristic aromatic odor,
obtained by the distillation of alcohol with sulphuric
acid, and hence called also {sulphuric ether}. It is
powerful solvent of fats, resins, and pyroxylin, but
finds its chief use as an an[ae]sthetic. Called also
{ethyl oxide}.