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

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Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

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