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.

From Literature

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg