from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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]