Methyl alcohol

methyl alcohol
    n 1: a light volatile flammable poisonous liquid alcohol; used
         as an antifreeze and solvent and fuel and as a denaturant
         for ethyl alcohol [syn: {methanol}, {methyl alcohol}, {wood
         alcohol}, {wood spirit}]
    

Methyl \Meth"yl\, n. [See {Methylene}.] (Chem.)
   A univalent hydrocarbon radical, {CH3-}, not existing alone
   but regarded as an essential residue of methane, and
   appearing as a component part of many derivatives; as, methyl
   alcohol, methyl ether, methyl amine, etc. [Formerly written
   also {methule}, {methyle}, etc.]
   [1913 Webster]

   {Methyl alcohol} (Chem.), a light, volatile, inflammable
      liquid, {CH3.OH}, obtained by the distillation of wood,
      and hence called {wood alcohol} or {wood spirit};
      tecnically referred to as {methanol}; -- called also
      {methol}, {carbinol}, etc.

   {Methyl amine} (Chem.), a colorless, inflammable, alkaline
      gas, {CH3.NH2}, having an ammoniacal, fishy odor. It is
      produced artificially, and also occurs naturally in
      herring brine and other fishy products. It is regarded as
      ammonia in which a third of its hydrogen is replaced by
      methyl, and is a type of the class of substituted
      ammonias.

   {Methyl ether} (Chem.), a light, volatile ether {CH3.O.CH3},
      obtained by the etherification of methyl alcohol; --
      called also {methyl oxide} or {dimethyl ether}.

   {Methyl green}. (Chem.) See under {Green}, n.

   {Methyl orange}. (Chem.) See {Helianthin}.

   {Methyl violet} (Chem.), an artificial dye, consisting of
      certain methyl halogen derivatives of rosaniline.
      [1913 Webster]
    

Alcohol \Al"co*hol\ ([a^]l"k[-o]*h[o^]l), n. [Cf. F. alcool,
   formerly written alcohol, Sp. alcohol alcohol, antimony,
   galena, OSp. alcofol; all fr. Ar. al-kohl a powder of
   antimony or galena, to paint the eyebrows with. The name was
   afterwards applied, on account of the fineness of this
   powder, to highly rectified spirits, a signification unknown
   in Arabia. The Sp. word has both meanings. Cf. {Alquifou}.]
   1. An impalpable powder. [Obs.]
      [1913 Webster]

   2. The fluid essence or pure spirit obtained by distillation.
      [Obs.] --Boyle.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. Pure spirit of wine; pure or highly rectified spirit
      (called also {ethyl alcohol} or {ethanol}, {CH3.CH2.OH});
      the spirituous or intoxicating element of fermented or
      distilled liquors, or more loosely a liquid containing it
      in considerable quantity. It is extracted by simple
      distillation from various vegetable juices and infusions
      of a saccharine nature, which have undergone vinous
      fermentation.

   Note: [The ferementation is usually carried out by addition
         of brewer's yeast, {Saccharomyces cerevisiae} to an
         aqueous solution containing carbohydrates.]
         [1913 Webster +PJC]

   Note: As used in the U. S. "Pharmacop[oe]ia," alcohol
         contains 91 per cent by weight of ethyl alcohol and 9
         per cent of water; and diluted alcohol (proof spirit)
         contains 45.5 per cent by weight of ethyl alcohol and
         54.5 per cent of water.
         [1913 Webster]

   4. (Organic Chem.) A class of compounds analogous to vinic
      alcohol in constitution. Chemically speaking, they are
      hydroxides of certain organic radicals; as, the radical
      ethyl forms common or {ethyl alcohol} ({C2H5.OH}); methyl
      forms {methyl alcohol} ({CH3.OH}) or {wood alcohol}; amyl
      forms {amyl alcohol} ({C5H11.OH}) or {fusel oil}, etc.
      [1913 Webster]