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methanol

American  
[meth-uh-nawl, -nol] / ˈmɛθ əˌnɔl, -ˌnɒl /

noun

Chemistry.
  1. methyl alcohol.


methanol British  
/ ˈmɛθəˌnɒl /

noun

  1. Also called: methyl alcohol.   wood alcohol.  a colourless volatile poisonous liquid compound used as a solvent and fuel. Formula: CH 3 OH

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

methanol Scientific  
/ mĕthə-nôl′ /
  1. A colorless, toxic, flammable liquid used as a general solvent, antifreeze, and fuel. Also called methyl alcohol, wood alcohol. Chemical formula: CH 4 O.


Etymology

Origin of methanol

First recorded in 1890–95; methane + -ol 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This steers the reaction toward methanol production through the formate pathway.

From Science Daily • Jun. 14, 2026

“Short-haul transport of methanol from Iran to the rest of the Persian Gulf; crew change in Dubai,” said one advertisement posted this month by a ship management company in the city of Xi’an recruiting seafarers.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

The event on Thursday was to celebrate construction of a billion-dollar methanol factory, one of the largest single private U.S. investments in Mexico in recent history.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2026

Kpler said that vessel was carrying 31,500 tonnes of methanol and was bound for Sohar in Oman, according to data from its transponder.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Derivatives from petrochemicals - such as methanol and ethylene - are vital materials in the global production of pharmaceuticals, including painkillers, antibiotics and vaccines.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

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