methanol

[meth-uh-nawl, -nol]

noun

Chemistry.

1. methyl alcohol.

methanol

/ 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

methanol

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of methanol¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of methanol¹

C20: from _methane + _-ol ¹

Example Sentences

Greta and Arno's deaths came just weeks after six people died of methanol poisoning in Laos, a country which neighbours Vietnam.

From BBC

Calum is now working with the families of three other British people who died following methanol poisoning in South East Asia.

From BBC

The family of a woman who died from suspected methanol poisoning while travelling in south-east Asia have succeeded in their campaign for compulsory education about the issue in schools.

From BBC

In an interview with BBC South East, he said he was calling on the government to "increase the awareness among young people of a likelihood of methanol poisoning".

From BBC

Medical specialists say drinking as little as 25ml of methanol can be fatal, but it is sometimes added to drinks because it is cheaper than alcohol.

From BBC

Related Words

• booze 
• drink 
• ethanol 
• liquor 
• smoke