methylene chloride

noun

: a toxic nonflammable liquid CH2Cl2 used especially as a solvent, paint remover, and aerosol propellant

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The proposal would ban methylene chloride's use in all consumer situations, and in most industrial and commercial uses. Kerry Breen, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2023 Like all of the mattresses made by PlushBeds, the Eco Green is free of fiberglass, PBDE flame retardants, heavy metals, chlorofluorocarbons, chloroform, methylene chloride, formaldehyde, prohibited phthalates, and other toxic chemicals. Deirdre Mundorf, Discover Magazine, 11 Dec. 2021 Then, coffee manufacturers typically use solvents like methylene chloride or ethyl acetate to wash out the caffeine molecules. Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 16 June 2021 The direct solvent method uses methylene chloride, coffee oil or ethyl acetate to dissolve the caffeine in the beans and extract it from the coffee, according to Clydesdale. Ella Lee, USA TODAY, 21 Apr. 2019 The US Environmental Protection Agency recognizes paints and varnishes as sources of common hazardous air pollutants, such as toluene and methylene chloride. CNN, 3 June 2021 Volatile organic compounds, such as benzene, naphthalene and methylene chloride, have a low boiling point and can be dispersed into the air easily. Max Horberry, Star Tribune, 8 Oct. 2020 See More

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

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of methylene chloride was in 1880

Dictionary Entries Near methylene chloride

Cite this Entry

“Methylene chloride.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/methylene%20chloride. Accessed 28 May. 2023.

Medical Definition

methylene chloride

noun
: a nonflammable liquid CH2Cl2 formerly used as an inhalation anesthetic but now used especially as a solvent, paint remover, and aerosol propellant

called also dichloromethane

More from Merriam-Webster on methylene chloride

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!