methylene

American  

[meth-uh-leen] / ˈmɛθ əˌlin /

adjective

Chemistry.

1. containing the methylene group.

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methylene British  

/ ˈmɛθɪˌliːn /

noun

1. (modifier) of, consisting of, or containing the divalent group of atoms =CH 2

   a methylene group or radical

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methylene Scientific  

/ mĕth′ə-lēn′ /

1. A bivalent hydrocarbon radical, CH ₂. Because it has two unshared electrons, it is extremely reactive and occurs only as an intermediate byproduct in chemical reactions. Methylene is a component of unsaturated hydrocarbons.

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Etymology

Origin of methylene

< French méthylène (coined in 1834), equivalent to Greek méth ( y ) wine ( mead ¹ ) + hýl ( ē ) wood + French -ène -ene, taken to mean “wood-spirits” ( vin ou liqueur spiritueuse du bois ), though elements of the compound are in the wrong order to give this sense

Example Sentences

The caffeine dissolves better in methylene chloride than in water, so most of the caffeine stays up in the methylene chloride layer, which producers can separate from the water.

From Salon • Jul. 23, 2024

“Exposure to methylene chloride has devastated families across this country for too long, including some who saw loved ones go to work and never come home,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in a statement.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 30, 2024

Wendy Hartley, whose son Kevin died from methylene chloride poisoning after refinishing a bathtub at work, called the new rule “a huge step that will protect vulnerable workers.”

From Seattle Times • Apr. 30, 2024

In a 2-year animal inhalation study sponsored by the National Toxicology Program, methylene chloride produced a significant increase in benign and malignant tumors of the lung and liver of male and female mice.

From Salon • Mar. 16, 2024

The effects of various freezing procedures on the ability of samples to decolorize methylene blue were determined with 10 semen samples.

From Preservation of Bull Semen at Sub-Zero Temperatures by Friedman, M. E.