methyl

noun

meth·​yl ˈme-thəl 

: an alkyl radical CH₃ derived from methane

methylic

mə-ˈthi-lik 

adjective

Examples of methyl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some molecules involved in epigenetic processes, such as methyl or acetyl groups, interface directly with DNA or bind to proteins attached to DNA. —Ivan Amato, Quanta Magazine, 22 Dec. 2025

The frozen COMs that were confirmed to exist around ST6 include acetaldehyde, acetic acid, ethanol, methanol and methyl formate. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 7 Nov. 2025

The research team found that common viruses can damage a queen’s ovaries, reducing both her egg-laying rate and the production of methyl oleate, a pheromone that keeps worker bees loyal. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025

Brands are already reformulating with alternative ingredients like TPO-L, BAPO and methyl benzoylformate, according to industry reports. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, back-formation from methylene

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing methyl

• methyl acetate
• methyl alcohol
• methyl bromide
• methyl chloroform
• methyl ethyl ketone
• methyl isocyanate
• methyl methacrylate
• methyl orange
• methyl parathion

Rhymes for methyl

• ethel
• ethyl
• chloroethyl
• chloromethyl
• monomethyl
• diethyl
• dimethyl
• tetraethyl
• trimethyl
• hydroxyethyl

Kids Definition

methyl

noun

meth·​yl ˈmeth-əl 

: a chemical group consisting of carbon and hydrogen

Medical Definition

methyl

noun

meth·​yl

ˈmeth-əl, British also ˈmē-ˌthīl

: an alkyl group CH₃ that is derived from methane by removal of one hydrogen atom

methylic

mə-ˈthil-ik 

adjective