methyl bromide

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a colorless, poisonous gas, CH 3 Br, used chiefly as a solvent, refrigerant, and fumigant and in organic synthesis.

methyl bromide

noun

1. a colourless poisonous gas or volatile liquid with an odour resembling that of chloroform, used as a solvent, and extinguishant. Formula: CH 3 Br

Word History and Origins

Origin of methyl bromide¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Use of the gas surged after sales of another fumigant called methyl bromide were sharply curtailed because of the harm it caused to the ozone layer.

From Los Angeles Times

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, methyl bromide can cause lung disease, convulsions, comas and ultimately death.

From Seattle Times

In 2004, chemical manufacturers began to phase out methyl bromide, another chemical widely used to fumigate soils, because it harms Earth’s ozone layer.

From Science Magazine

Among their questions are how the methyl bromide will be stored, how the plant’s fumes will be monitored and dispersed outside the facility, and whether it will pose risks to motorists along the four-lane highway.

From Washington Times

An existing air permit allows the Moorefield facility, which treats logs before overseas shipment, to annually emit nearly 10 tons of the ozone-depleting pesticide methyl bromide into the atmosphere.

From Seattle Times