dichloromethane

American

[dahy-klawr-uh-meth-eyn, -klohr-] / daɪˌklɔr əˈmɛθ eɪn, -ˌkloʊr- /

noun

Chemistry.

methylene chloride.

dichloromethane British

/ daɪˌklɔːrəʊˈmiːθeɪn /

noun

Traditional name: methylene dichloride. a noxious colourless liquid widely used as a solvent, e.g. in paint strippers. Formula: CH 2 Cl 2

"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

Etymology

Origin of dichloromethane

di- ¹ + chloro- ² + methane

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.

Methylene chloride, also called dichloromethane, is a colorless liquid that emits a toxic vapor that has killed at least 88 workers since 1980, the EPA said.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 30, 2024

The inquest heard in some countries the pesticide Lambda is sometimes diluted with another substance, dichloromethane, which causes the body to metabolise or ingest carbon monoxide.

From BBC • Nov. 10, 2023

Prof Chilcott suggested in less developed countries the pesticide Lambda is sometimes diluted with another substance, dichloromethane, which causes the body to metabolise or ingest carbon monoxide.

From BBC • Nov. 8, 2023

Chemical manufacturers, pressing the EPA not to restrict sales, have said that nothing works as well as fast-acting methylene chloride, also known as dichloromethane.

From Slate • Dec. 14, 2018

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023