methyl alcohol

noun

: methanol

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Also called wood alcohol, methyl alcohol made by bootleggers blinded or killed thousands of people during Prohibition. —

Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 30 Dec. 2022 Washer fluid is already 40 percent methyl alcohol and 60 percent water. —

Mike Allen, Popular Mechanics, 15 May 2018 As a last resort, use methyl alcohol instead of washer fluid in the tank. —

Mike Allen, Popular Mechanics, 15 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'methyl alcohol.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of methyl alcohol was in 1847

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near methyl alcohol

methylacetylene

methyl alcohol

methylamine

See More Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

Style

“Methyl alcohol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/methyl%20alcohol. Accessed 23 Mar. 2023.

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