Chem. [f. L. vīn-um + -YL.] The compound univalent radical CH2CH, isomeric with ethenyl, and characteristic of many derivatives of ethylene (which is the hydride of vinyl). Also attrib.
1863. Watts, Dict. Chem., I. 675. Bromide of vinyl, C2H2Br. Ibid. (1873), Fownes’ Chem. (ed. 11), 611. Vinyl alcohol … is produced by combining ethine or acetylene with sulphuric acid, whereby vinyl-sulphuric acid … is formed. Ibid., 612. The univalent radical vinyl … may be supposed to exist in it [vinyl alcohol].
