methylene

noun

meth·y·lene ˈme-thə-ˌlēn

-lən

: a divalent hydrocarbon group CH₂ derived from methane

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web There’s benzene, methylene, and aromatic hydrocarbons, carcinogenic. —

Lindsey Bartlett, Forbes, 28 Apr. 2021 Covestro also manufacturers the more technically-challenging methylene diphenyl diisocyanate, or MDI, used to make polyurethanes for insulation. —

Andrew Marc Noel, Bloomberg.com, 17 Sep. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'methylene.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French méthylène, from Greek methy wine + hylē wood — more at mead

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of methylene was in 1835

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Methylene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/methylene. Accessed 1 Apr. 2023.

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Medical Definition

methylene

noun

meth·y·lene ˈmeth-ə-ˌlēn

-lən

: a bivalent hydrocarbon radical CH₂ derived from methane by removal of two hydrogen atoms

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