methylmercury

noun

meth·​yl·​mer·​cury ˌme-thəl-ˈmər-kyə-rē 

-ˈmər-k(ə-)rē

: any of various toxic compounds of mercury containing the complex CH₃Hg− that often occur as pollutants which accumulate in living organisms (such as fish) especially in higher levels of a food chain

Examples of methylmercury in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Fish and shellfish concentrate mercury in their bodies, usually in the toxic form of methylmercury. —Lindsey Desoto, Rd, Health, 9 Sep. 2024

According to the Center for Disease Control, large amounts of methylmercury (organic mercury largely linked to eating seafood, but mainly fish) eaten over weeks to months can cause damage to the nervous system. —Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 8 May 2024

Between September and December 2020, Mr. Xu began spiking beverages such as coffee, whiskey and drinking water with methylmercury chloride and bringing them into the office, Caixin reported, citing court documents. —David Pierson, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2024

For example, when pregnant people eat fish contaminated with the organic form, methylmercury, the toxin can harm their fetuses. —Bridget Alex, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

methylmercury

noun

meth·​yl·​mer·​cury

ˌmeth-əl-ˈmər-kyə-rē, British also ˌmē-ˌthīl-

plural methylmercuries

: any of various toxic compounds of mercury containing the complex CH₃Hg− that often occur as pollutants formed as industrial by-products or pesticide residues, tend to accumulate in living organisms (as fish) especially in higher levels of a food chain, are rapidly and easily absorbed through the human intestinal wall, and cause neurological dysfunction in humans see minamata disease