ethyl

plural ethyls

1. chemistryThe univalent hydrocarbon radical, C₂H₅, formally derived from ethane by the loss of a hydrogen atom.

   Synonyms: E, Et

1. alternativeAlternative form of Ethel: a female given name from Old English

   1 more example

   R. Jeeves: In my experience, ladies who spell Gladys with a W are seldom noted for their reliability, sir. It gives them romantic notions. B.W. Wooster: With a W, Jeeves? No, no, no, no. You spell it with a G. R. Jeeves: If I might draw your attention to the signature on the portrait, sir. B.W. Wooster: Good Lord! G-W? R. Jeeves: I blame Alfred Lord Tennyson and his Idylls of the King. It also accounts for Kathryn, Ysabel, and Ethyl, all spelt with a Y, but Gwladys is a particularly virulent form, sir.

   1993 May 16, “Return to New York”, in Jeeves and Wooster, Series 3, Episode 6