wood spirit

noun

1. methyl alcohol.

2. (especially in folklore) a supernatural, incorporeal being believed to inhabit the forest.

wood spirit

noun

1. chem another name for methanol

Word History and Origins

Origin of wood spirit¹

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

She moved through the trees as quickly as a wood spirit.

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The former is obtained from wood, hence it is sometimes called wood spirit.

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Are we the happier for knowing that there are no ghosts, no fairies, no witches, no mermaids, no wood spirits?

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Whoever they were, it was proper at this time to offer food to strangers, and if they were gods or wood spirits this was the way to find it out.

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Hofmann violets discovered; leading to manufacture of methyl iodide from iodine, phosphorus, and wood spirit.

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