methylmercury

American  

[meth-uhl-mur-kyuh-ree] / ˌmɛθ əlˈmɜr kyə ri /

noun

Chemistry.

1. any of several extremely toxic organometallic compounds, Hg(CH3 ) 2 , formed from metallic mercury by the action of microorganisms and capable of entering the food chain: used as seed disinfectants.

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Etymology

Origin of methylmercury

First recorded in 1915–20; methyl + mercury

Example Sentences

Mercury entering marine ecosystems is converted into methylmercury, the most dangerous form of the chemical.

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2024

Often formed by microbes living in water, methylmercury is the most bioavailable form of mercury that is highly toxic to vertebrates.

From Science Daily • Oct. 30, 2023

Of the 13 metals and two classes of chemicals tested, three contaminants surpassed federal and local standards at varying levels of fish consumption: mercury, or methylmercury; polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs; and dioxins/furans.

From Salon • Nov. 23, 2022

In aquatic ecosystems, it can easily convert into a very poisonous form called methylmercury.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 28, 2022

Mercury exists in several forms; the types people are usually exposed to are methylmercury and elemental mercury.

From Textbooks • Sep. 6, 2018