meth·yl·a·tion
| \ ˌme-thə-ˈlā-shən
\
\
Definition of methylation
: the introduction of a methyl radical into a substance
The methylation of metals (that is, the substitution of a metal atom for the hydrogen atom of the hydroxyl group of a methyl alcohol molecule) can result in the metal's becoming volatile.— Corale L. Brierley
especially
: dna methylation
As cells begin to specialize into adult tissues, methylation seems to inactivate genes that are no longer needed. — John Travis
Keep scrolling for more
Learn More about methylation
Dictionary Entries near methylation
See More Nearby EntriesStatistics for methylation
Look-up Popularity
Cite this Entry
“Methylation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/methylation. Accessed 16 May. 2021.
Style: MLA
MLA
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for methylation
methylation
noun
meth·yl·ation
| \ ˌmeth-ə-ˈlā-shən
\
\
Medical Definition of methylation
: introduction of the methyl group into a chemical compound
especially
: dna methylation
Other Words from methylation
methylate
\
ˈmeth-ə-ˌlāt
\
transitive verb
methylated; methylating
\
transitive verb
methylated; methylating Comments on methylation
What made you want to look up methylation? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Words Used by Nabokov Quiz
-
- Choose the best definition or synonym for the word in bold: "There are some eructations that sound like cheers—at least, mine did." Lolita
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Share methylation
Time Traveler for methylation
The first known use of methylation was in 1855
See more words from the same year