methyl

¹ American  

[meth-uhl] / ˈmɛθ əl /

adjective

Chemistry.

1. containing the methyl group. Me

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methyl- ² American  

1. a combining form occurring in the names of chemical compounds in which the methyl group is present.

   methylamine.

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methyl British  

/ ˈmiːθaɪl, ˈmɛθɪl, məˈθɪlɪk /

noun

1. (modifier) of, consisting of, or containing the monovalent group of atoms CH 3

2. an organometallic compound in which methyl groups are bound directly to a metal atom

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methyl Scientific  

/ mĕth′əl /

1. The radical CH ₃, derived from methane.

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Other Word Forms

• methylic adjective

Etymology

Origin of methyl

First recorded in 1835–45; by back formation from methylene

Compare meaning

How does methyl compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• methyl vs. ethyl

Example Sentences

This result suggested that methyl viologen no longer had enough of the substance it needs to function: oxygen.

From Science Daily • Mar. 9, 2026

Many genetic conditions involve genes that are improperly turned on or off, and adjusting methyl groups may provide a way to correct those problems without damaging DNA.

From Science Daily • Jan. 5, 2026

In initial field trials, colonies that received synthetic pheromone blends containing methyl oleate were far less likely to begin rearing replacement queens than colonies given blends without it.

From Science Daily • Nov. 22, 2025

In 2018, for instance, the FDA withdrew authorization for certain synthetic flavors—including benzophenone, ethyl acrylate, and eugenyl methyl ether—used to mimic flavors like mint, cinnamon and citrus in processed foods.

From Salon • Jan. 23, 2025

Methyl orange Red Yellow Very slightly acid Phenolphthalein Colorless Red Acid Litmus Red Blue Acid It may be further stated that methyl orange at the neutral point is orange in color.

From Soap-Making Manual A Practical Handbook on the Raw Materials, Their Manipulation, Analysis and Control in the Modern Soap Plant. by Thomssen, E. G.