methyl

noun

meth·​yl ˈme-thəl How to pronounce methyl (audio)
: an alkyl radical CH3 derived from methane
methylic adjective

Examples of methyl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When the mercury in emissions falls to the ground and enters the water system, it's consumed by organisms that turn it into methyl mercury, a substance that can cause neurological defects and other problems in very low concentrations. Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 5 Oct. 2024 After a study with more than 60 twin sisters with the same genetic heritage, their scientists found that an unbalanced lifestyle can cause a 44% increase in methyl groups that act as inhibitors of genes that are present in fibroblasts and are therefore related to the youthfulness of the skin. Ana Morales, Vogue, 27 Sep. 2024 Because of the narrow definition of nicotine in U.S. law, the addition of one chemical structure called a methyl group allows the company to market Metatine as indistinguishable from traditional vaping products’ nicotine while also avoiding any regulatory scrutiny. Bradley Van Paridon, Scientific American, 10 Sep. 2024 The researchers also tested urine for biomarkers associated with 12 chemicals found in personal-care products as well as in food and plastic, including bisphenol A (BPA), triclosan, methyl paraben, propylparaben, butyl paraben, and ethyl paraben. Deanna Pai, Allure, 14 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for methyl 

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, back-formation from methylene

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of methyl was in 1840

Dictionary Entries Near methyl

Cite this Entry

“Methyl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/methyl. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

methyl

noun
meth·​yl ˈmeth-əl How to pronounce methyl (audio)
: a chemical group consisting of carbon and hydrogen

Medical Definition

methyl

noun
meth·​yl
ˈmeth-əl, British also ˈmē-ˌthīl
: an alkyl group CH3 that is derived from methane by removal of one hydrogen atom
methylic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on methyl

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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