methylene

[ meth-uh-leen ]

adjective

, Chemistry.

1. containing the methylene group.

methylene

/ ˈmɛθɪˌliːn /

noun

1. modifier of, consisting of, or containing the divalent group of atoms =CH 2

   a methylene group or radical

methylene

/ mĕth′ə-lēn′ /

1. A bivalent hydrocarbon radical, CH 2 . Because it has two unshared electrons, it is extremely reactive and occurs only as an intermediate byproduct in chemical reactions. Methylene is a component of unsaturated hydrocarbons.

Word History and Origins

Origin of methylene¹

< French méthylène (coined in 1834), equivalent to Greek méth ( y ) wine ( mead ¹ ) + hýl ( ē ) wood + French -ène -ene, taken to mean “wood-spirits” ( vin ou liqueur spiritueuse du bois ), though elements of the compound are in the wrong order to give this sense

Word History and Origins

Origin of methylene¹

C19: from French méthylène, from Greek methu wine + hulē wood + -ene : originally referring to a substance distilled from wood

Example Sentences

Ethyl acetate and methylene chloride are two common solvents used to extract caffeine from green coffee beans.

From Salon

“Exposure to methylene chloride has devastated families across this country for too long, including some who saw loved ones go to work and never come home,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in a statement.

From Seattle Times

In a 2-year animal inhalation study sponsored by the National Toxicology Program, methylene chloride produced a significant increase in benign and malignant tumors of the lung and liver of male and female mice.

From Salon

The toy consists of two glass bulbs connected by a glass tube with a highly volatile liquid, methylene chloride, stored within.

From Science Daily

This is because methylene chloride is suggested to be mildly carcinogenic in high doses.

From Salon