tri·chlo·ro·ethylene \“+\noun alsotri·chlor·ethylene\|trīˌklōr+\ Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary trichlor- + ethylene : a mobile nonflammable liquid CHClCCl2 obtained usually by heating symmetrical tetrachloroethane with hydrated lime and used chiefly as a solvent, a degreasing agent for metals, and in medicine as an inhalation analgesic and anesthetic