methylate

[ meth-uh-leyt ]

noun

1. Also called methoxide. any derivative of methyl alcohol, as sodium methylate, CH 3 ONa.
2. any compound containing the methyl group.

verb (used with object)

, meth·yl·at·ed, meth·yl·at·ing.

1. (in a compound) to replace (one or more hydrogen atoms) with the methyl group.
2. to mix with methyl alcohol, as in the denaturation of ethyl alcohol.

methylate

/ ˈmɛθɪˌleɪt /

verb

1. tr to mix with methanol
2. to undergo or cause to undergo a chemical reaction in which a methyl group is introduced into a molecule

noun

1. another name for methoxide

methylate

/ mĕth′ə-lāt′ /

Noun

1. An organic compound having the general formula CH 3 OR, in which R is a metal. Methylates are formed by replacing the hydrogen of the hydroxyl group (OH) of methyl alcohol with a metal.

Verb

1. To combine with the methyl radical.

Derived Forms

• ˌmethylˈation, noun
• ˈmethylˌator, noun

Other Words From

• methyl·ator noun
• un·methyl·ated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of methylate¹

First recorded in 1825–35; methyl- + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

They form unstable addition products with sodium ethylate or methylate.

From Project Gutenberg

Last night, however, I managed to secure and methylate a good-sized scorpion.

From Project Gutenberg

The latter is then made to methylate a product, aniline, derived indirectly from coal-tar.

From Project Gutenberg