methylmercury

noun

meth·​yl·​mer·​cury ˌme-thəl-ˈmər-kyə-rē How to pronounce methylmercury (audio)
-ˈmər-k(ə-)rē
: any of various toxic compounds of mercury containing the complex CH3Hg− that often occur as pollutants which accumulate in living organisms (such as fish) especially in higher levels of a food chain

Examples of methylmercury in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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According to the National Institute of Health, fish and shellfish can contain varying levels of methylmercury (a toxic metal) that may harm an unborn baby. Ronnie Koenig, Parents, 25 Oct. 2024 Fish and shellfish concentrate mercury in their bodies, usually in the toxic form of methylmercury. Lindsey Desoto, Rd, Health, 9 Sep. 2024 According to the Center for Disease Control, large amounts of methylmercury (organic mercury largely linked to eating seafood, but mainly fish) eaten over weeks to months can cause damage to the nervous system. Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 8 May 2024 Between September and December 2020, Mr. Xu began spiking beverages such as coffee, whiskey and drinking water with methylmercury chloride and bringing them into the office, Caixin reported, citing court documents. David Pierson, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for methylmercury 

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of methylmercury was in 1915

Dictionary Entries Near methylmercury

Cite this Entry

“Methylmercury.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/methylmercury. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

methylmercury

noun
meth·​yl·​mer·​cury
ˌmeth-əl-ˈmər-kyə-rē, British also ˌmē-ˌthīl-
plural methylmercuries
: any of various toxic compounds of mercury containing the complex CH3Hg− that often occur as pollutants formed as industrial by-products or pesticide residues, tend to accumulate in living organisms (as fish) especially in higher levels of a food chain, are rapidly and easily absorbed through the human intestinal wall, and cause neurological dysfunction in humans see minamata disease
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