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

The tank contained 7,000 gallons of the highly reactive liquid chemical known as methyl methacrylate, or MMA, which can be used to make materials such as Plexiglass.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 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

Tens of thousands told to evacuate as a tank of methyl methacrylate at an aerospace plastics facility poses a risk of leaking potentially toxic vapors in the air.

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 tank in southern California contains an estimated 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate, a highly volatile and flammable substance used in the production of plastic.

From BBC • May 23, 2026