Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Methyl \Meth"yl\, n. [See {Methylene}.] (Chem.)
   A hydrocarbon radical, {CH3}, not existing alone but regarded
   as an essential residue of methane, and appearing as a
   component part of many derivatives; as, methyl alcohol,
   methyl ether, methyl amine, etc. [Formerly written also
   {methule}, {methyle}, etc.]

   {Methyl alcohol} (Chem.), a light, volatile, inflammable
      liquid, {CH3.OH}, obtained by the distillation of wood,
      and hence called {wood spirit}

Formyl \For"myl\, n. [Formic + -yl.] (Chem.)
   (a) A univalent radical, {H.C:O}, regarded as the essential
       residue of formic acid and aldehyde.
   (b) Formerly, the radical methyl, {CH3}.