methylene chloride

noun

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

Examples of methylene chloride in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The chemicals found included lead, benzene, and methylene chloride, each linked to serious long-term health consequences including cancer and reproductive harm. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 11 May 2026

The company has past citations from the EPA for exposing staff to methylene chloride, a toxic chemical commonly used in paint thinner known to increase cancer risk. —Karen Morfitt, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026

In 2024, state investigators found that one popular brand of marijuana vapes sold in dispensaries was not only derived from hemp, but also contaminated with methylene chloride, a chemical often used to convert CBD from hemp into THC. —Christopher Osher, ProPublica, 14 Apr. 2026

The lab also detected methylene chloride – a hazardous solvent banned in most uses by the EPA – in one pack of gummies. —Gina Lee Castro, jsonline.com, 19 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for methylene chloride

• amiloride
• hexachloride
• hydrochloride
• oxychloride
• pentachloride
• tetrachloride
• bichloride
• dichloride
• perchloride
• trichloride
• boride
• dihydrochloride

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