methanol

noun

meth·​a·​nol ˈme-thə-ˌnȯl 

-ˌnōl

: a light volatile flammable poisonous liquid alcohol CH₃OH used especially as a solvent, antifreeze, or denaturant for ethanol and in the synthesis of other chemicals

Examples of methanol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As a result, male flies must decide how much exposure to methanol is necessary to enhance their mating chances without causing harm. —Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025

Each system takes waste gas such as from a landfill or livestock operation, converts it to synthesis gas, then turns the syngas into liquid methanol fuel. —Alan Neuhauser, Axios, 3 Apr. 2025

Those that consumed methanol showed a marked increase in the levels of pheromones known to be involved with the elaborate fruit fly courtship rituals. —ArsTechnica, 2 Apr. 2025

Maersk made its own announcement in Mumbai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Port on Feb. 28 during a name-giving celebration for it newest dual-fuel methanol container vessel, now called the Albert Maersk. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 12 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for methanol

• aerosol
• alcohol
• arbitral
• basketball
• butanol
• cannonball
• carbinol
• catarrhal
• cortisol
• ethanol
• fireball
• gasohol

Kids Definition

methanol

noun

meth·​a·​nol ˈmeth-ə-ˌnȯl 

-ˌnōl

: a light flammable poisonous liquid alcohol that consists of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen and is used especially as antifreeze and to dissolve things

Medical Definition

methanol

noun

meth·​a·​nol ˈmeth-ə-ˌnȯl  -ˌnōl 

: a light volatile pungent flammable poisonous liquid alcohol CH₃OH formed in the destructive distillation of wood or made synthetically and used especially as a solvent, antifreeze, or denaturant for ethanol and in the synthesis of other chemicals

called also carbinol, methyl alcohol, wood alcohol