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

"And when we added the methyl groups back to the genes, they turned off again. So, these compounds aren't cobwebs -- they're anchors."

From Science Daily • Jan. 5, 2026

In the lab, epigenetic editing would be used to remove methyl tags from the fetal globin gene, reactivating it.

From Science Daily • Jan. 5, 2026

Methanol and methyl formate had already been observed in the gas phase within the Large Magellanic Cloud, but this is the first evidence that such molecules are also forming in the solid ice itself.

From Science Daily • Nov. 12, 2025

In 2018, for instance, the FDA withdrew authorization for certain synthetic flavors—including benzophenone, ethyl acrylate, and eugenyl methyl ether—used to mimic flavors like mint, cinnamon and citrus in processed foods.

From Salon • Jan. 23, 2025

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.