The present invention relates to a nonionic methyl ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose ether having a flocculation temperature of 70-95.degree. C., a DS-methyl of 0.1-0.8 and a DS-ethyl of 0.1-0.7. The cellulose ether has versatile properties and may be used as a thickening agent or a rheology modifier in an aqueous formulation, such as an aqueous latex-containing paint composition. A process for manufacturing the cellulose ether is also disclosed.