methyl alcohol

noun

: methanol

Examples of methyl alcohol in a Sentence

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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.
The city's medical examiner, Charles Norris, blamed the federal government's practice of adding toxic substances to industrial alcohol, including those involving methyl alcohol, also known as methanol, which can cause blindness and death. — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026 Based on early examinations, the incident appears to be a case of methyl alcohol consumption, Pal told the outlet. — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2026 While fermentation is essential for distillation, a secondary fermentation can lead to unpleasant tastes, off aromas, and the creation of methyl alcohol. — Alissa Fitzgerald, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024 By combining the hydrogen and oxygen with carbon captured from ambient air, methyl alcohol can be produced and then treated in further process steps to adapt it for use in cars. — Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 30 Mar. 2023 Washer fluid is already 40 percent methyl alcohol and 60 percent water. — Mike Allen, Popular Mechanics, 15 May 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of methyl alcohol was in 1847

Rhymes for methyl alcohol

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Browse Nearby Words

methylacetylene
methyl alcohol
methylamine
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Cite this Entry

“Methyl alcohol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/methyl%20alcohol. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

methyl alcohol

noun
: methanol

Medical Definition

methyl alcohol

noun
: methanol

More from Merriam-Webster on methyl alcohol

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about methyl alcohol

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