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• methyl
  methyl

  adjective

  containing the methyl group. Me
• methyl-
  methyl-

  a combining form occurring in the names of chemical compounds in which the methyl group is present.

methyl

¹ American  

[meth-uhl] / ˈmɛθ əl /

adjective

Chemistry.

1. containing the methyl group. Me

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methyl- ² American  

1. a combining form occurring in the names of chemical compounds in which the methyl group is present.

   methylamine.

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methyl British  

/ ˈmiːθaɪl, ˈmɛθɪl, məˈθɪlɪk /

noun

1. (modifier) of, consisting of, or containing the monovalent group of atoms CH 3

2. an organometallic compound in which methyl groups are bound directly to a metal atom

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methyl Scientific  

/ mĕth′əl /

1. The radical CH ₃, derived from methane.

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Other Word Forms

• methylic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of methyl

First recorded in 1835–45; by back formation from methylene

Compare meaning

How does methyl compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• methyl vs. ethyl

Example Sentences

Others included a carboxylic acid moiety or a methyl ester side chain.

From Science Daily • May 27, 2026

The tank contains a toxic chemical known as methyl methacrylate, or MMA, which makes acrylic plastics and can cause eye, skin and breathing issues, according to the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 24, 2026

There are three large tanks with a highly toxic chemical called methyl methacrylate, or MMA, used to make plastic, at the site in the 12000 block of Western Avenue in Garden Grove.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2026

The US Environmental Protection Agency says methyl methacrylate is irritating to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes in humans.

From Barron's • May 23, 2026

The barium carbonate is added through the funnel at the top of the tank mixed with a little water and the lye tested until it is neutral to methyl orange indicator.

From Soap-Making Manual A Practical Handbook on the Raw Materials, Their Manipulation, Analysis and Control in the Modern Soap Plant. by Thomssen, E. G.