methylated spirits

American  

Or methylated spirit

noun

(usually used with a singular verb)

1. ethyl alcohol denatured with methyl alcohol for the purpose of preventing its use as an alcoholic beverage.

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methylated spirits British  

noun

1. Also called: metho.   meths.  (functioning as singular or plural) alcohol that has been denatured by the addition of methanol and pyridine and a violet dye

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Etymology

Origin of methylated spirits

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

methylated spirits

In addition to prescription medications, she used methylated spirits, tea tree oil, and even put toothpaste on the spots.

From BBC ● Jun. 28, 2020

Lush's cleaning staples are the same ones everybody's great-grandmother used: vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, methylated spirits, detergent, glycerine, milk.

From Time Magazine Archive

Violets were on sale at every corner, and the atmosphere was impregnated with an intoxicating perfume of methylated spirits.

From Buried Alive: a Tale of These Days by Arnold Bennett

The shellac varnish for the japan ground is best prepared as follows: shellac 11/4 lb., methylated spirits 1 gallon.

From Handbook on Japanning: 2nd Edition For Ironware, Tinware, Wood, Etc. With Sections on Tinplating and Galvanizing by William N. Brown

He had described the place admirably well when he had spoken of the methylated spirits, adding that Trenchard was a gentleman.

From The Tower of Oblivion by Oliver [pseud.] Onions