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Methanol - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Methanol is a simple, toxic alcohol used as a solvent, fuel, or antifreeze. It is also known as wood alcohol and can cause blindness or death if ingested.

methanol

/ˈmɛθəˌnɔl/ /ˈmɛθənɒl/

Definition:

A toxic, flammable alcohol used as a solvent and fuel.

Synonyms:

methyl alcohol, wood alcohol, carbinol

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

water, ethanol (context-dependent)

Common Collocations:

methanol poisoning, methanol fuel, methanol production

Derivatives:

methanolic, methanolysis

Usage Tips:

Use "methanol" for technical contexts; avoid confusion with drinkable ethanol.

Common Phrases:

methanol intoxication, methanol flame, methanol blend

Etymology:

From "methane" + "-ol" (alcohol suffix), coined in 1892.

Examples:

  • 1. Methanol is commonly used in industrial solvents.
  • 2. Never drink methanol—it can cause blindness or death.
  • 3. The lab stored methanol in a fireproof cabinet.
  • 4. Some race cars use methanol as fuel.

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