methanol

noun

meth·​a·​nol ˈme-thə-ˌnȯl 

-ˌnōl

: a light volatile flammable poisonous liquid alcohol CH₃OH used especially as a solvent, antifreeze, or denaturant for ethanol and in the synthesis of other chemicals

Examples of methanol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In one of these observations, Booth and her colleagues found abundant methanol within a nearby planet-forming disk. —Elise Cutts, WIRED, 22 Dec. 2024

Huang added that the portable, easy-to-use device may eventually help save lives with the ability to flag harmful or deadly additives, including methanol. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 18 Dec. 2024

As the largest maritime shipper in the world, Maersk is a significant trendsetter for global trade, with many other companies following suit on methanol adoption. —Dylan Butts, CNBC, 28 Nov. 2024

Police believe their drinks contained methanol, which is considered a biodegradable fuel. —Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 26 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

methanol

noun

meth·​a·​nol ˈmeth-ə-ˌnȯl 

-ˌnōl

: a light flammable poisonous liquid alcohol that consists of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen and is used especially as antifreeze and to dissolve things

Medical Definition

methanol

noun

meth·​a·​nol ˈmeth-ə-ˌnȯl  -ˌnōl 

: a light volatile pungent flammable poisonous liquid alcohol CH₃OH formed in the destructive distillation of wood or made synthetically and used especially as a solvent, antifreeze, or denaturant for ethanol and in the synthesis of other chemicals

called also carbinol, methyl alcohol, wood alcohol