methyl methacrylate

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. a colorless, volatile, flammable, water-insoluble, liquid, unsaturated ester, C 5 H 8 O 2 , that polymerizes readily to a clear plastic.

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methyl methacrylate British  

noun

1. a colourless liquid compound, used in the manufacture of certain methacrylate resins. Formula: CH 2 C(CH 3 )COOCH 3

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Etymology

Origin of methyl methacrylate

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

methyl methacrylate

Authorities suspect that the cooling system responsible for maintaining the temperature of the tank, filled with methyl methacrylate, or MMA, failed.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 28, 2026

The EPA says methyl methacrylate is irritating to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes in humans.

From Barron's ● May 24, 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

The tank contains methyl methacrylate, a toxic chemical used to make plastic that can cause eye, skin and breathing issues, according to the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 23, 2026

Inside the tank is an estimated 7,000 gallons of a chemical used to make plastics called methyl methacrylate, or MMA, stored in liquid form.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 23, 2026