methanol
noun
meth·a·nol
ˈme-thə-ˌnȯl 
-ˌnōl
: a light volatile flammable poisonous liquid alcohol CH3OH used especially as a solvent, antifreeze, or denaturant for ethanol and in the synthesis of other chemicals
Examples of methanol in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Melbourne teenagers Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, both 19, were among six tourists who died in November after drinking alcohol that authorities suspect was tainted with methanol in Vang Vieng, a town popular with backpackers and tourists.
—
Christine Pelisek, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025
So, Booth said, the methanol must have come from the cloud that predated the new star and its planets.
—Elise Cutts, WIRED, 22 Dec. 2024
Alternative methods of propulsion—hydrogen fuel cells and green methanol for superyachts, say, or diesel-electric power for vessels under 100 feet—have been discussed for years yet are often dismissed by builders as too complex and expensive.
—Katia Damborsky, Robb Report, 30 Nov. 2024
Just small amounts of methanol can cause blindness, nausea and vomiting, while drinking as little as 30 milliliters (1 ounce) can be lethal.
—Helen Regan, CNN, 29 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for methanol
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Christine Pelisek, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025
So, Booth said, the methanol must have come from the cloud that predated the new star and its planets.
—Elise Cutts, WIRED, 22 Dec. 2024
Alternative methods of propulsion—hydrogen fuel cells and green methanol for superyachts, say, or diesel-electric power for vessels under 100 feet—have been discussed for years yet are often dismissed by builders as too complex and expensive.
—Katia Damborsky, Robb Report, 30 Nov. 2024
Just small amounts of methanol can cause blindness, nausea and vomiting, while drinking as little as 30 milliliters (1 ounce) can be lethal.
—Helen Regan, CNN, 29 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for methanol
Cite this Entry
“Methanol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/methanol. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
methanol
noun
meth·a·nol
ˈmeth-ə-ˌnȯl
-ˌnōl
: a light flammable poisonous liquid alcohol that consists of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen and is used especially as antifreeze and to dissolve things
Medical Definition
methanol
noun
meth·a·nol
ˈmeth-ə-ˌnȯl
-ˌnōl
-ˌnōl
: a light volatile pungent flammable poisonous liquid alcohol CH3OH formed in the destructive distillation of wood or made synthetically and used especially as a solvent, antifreeze, or denaturant for ethanol and in the synthesis of other chemicals
called also carbinol, methyl alcohol, wood alcohol
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