methylene chloride

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a colorless, volatile liquid, CH 2 Cl 2 , used chiefly as a solvent, as a refrigerant, and as a local anesthetic in dentistry.

methylene chloride

noun

1. another name for dichloromethane

Word History and Origins

Origin of methylene chloride¹

First recorded in 1875–80

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