Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

   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}.