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}