What it means
A simple hydrocarbon gas. In health care it shows up in the names of things made from it: polyethylene (a plastic in tubing, bags and wraps), ethylene oxide (a sterilizing gas) and ethylene glycol (antifreeze, a poison if swallowed).
Related terms
sterilization
A process that destroys all microorganisms, including spores, on an item; also a permanent birth control procedure.
ethylene oxide
A gas used at low temperature to sterilize medical items that heat or moisture would damage.