methyl bromide

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. a colorless, poisonous gas, CH 3 Br, used chiefly as a solvent, refrigerant, and fumigant and in organic synthesis.

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methyl bromide British  

noun

1. a colourless poisonous gas or volatile liquid with an odour resembling that of chloroform, used as a solvent, and extinguishant. Formula: CH 3 Br

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Etymology

Origin of methyl bromide

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Use of the gas surged after sales of another fumigant called methyl bromide were sharply curtailed because of the harm it caused to the ozone layer.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2024

In 2004, chemical manufacturers began to phase out methyl bromide, another chemical widely used to fumigate soils, because it harms Earth’s ozone layer.

From Science Magazine • May 25, 2023

While dozens of countries have stopped most uses of methyl bromide, the countries Allegheny exports the logs to require the pesticide fumigation treatment.

From Washington Times • May 4, 2023

An existing air permit allows the Moorefield facility, which treats logs before overseas shipment, to annually emit nearly 10 tons of the ozone-depleting pesticide methyl bromide into the atmosphere.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 27, 2023

They mandate a standardized stamp showing materials have been treated with either heat or the highly toxic methyl bromide fumigant.

From Salon • Feb. 14, 2022