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}
Source : WordNet®
methyl alcohol
n : a light volatile flammable poisonous liquid alcohol; used as
an antifreeze and solvent and fuel and as a denaturant
for ethyl alcohol [syn: {methanol}, {wood alcohol}, {wood
spirit}]