methylene chloride

noun

: a toxic nonflammable liquid CH₂Cl₂ used especially as a solvent, paint remover, and aerosol propellant

Examples of methylene chloride in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ethyl acetate and methylene chloride are two common solvents used to extract caffeine from green coffee beans. —Michael W. Crowder, Discover Magazine, 30 July 2024

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. —Michael W. Crowder, Discover Magazine, 30 July 2024

The chemical, methylene chloride, has been linked to cancer in humans and animals. —Sarah Garone, Health, 25 June 2024

Beyond this, methylene chloride is most widely used as an industrial solvent and paint stripper. —Sarah Garone, Health, 25 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

methylene chloride

noun

: a nonflammable liquid CH₂Cl₂ formerly used as an inhalation anesthetic but now used especially as a solvent, paint remover, and aerosol propellant

called also dichloromethane