wood spirit

noun

1. methyl alcohol.
2. (especially in folklore) a supernatural, incorporeal being believed to inhabit the forest.

wood spirit

noun

1. See methanol
   chem another name for methanol

Word History and Origins

Origin of wood spirit¹

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

What comes over in the form of vapour is a mixture of water, acetone and wood spirit.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

The crude wood spirit is mixed with milk of lime, and after standing for several hours is distilled in a rectifying still.

From Project Gutenberg

They are mostly solid, glassy-looking substances insoluble in water, but soluble in alcohol and wood spirit.

From Project Gutenberg

As a similar result is obtained with wood spirit, this must be proved to be absent before applying this test.

From Project Gutenberg