methylmercury

noun

meth·​yl·​mer·​cury ˌme-thəl-ˈmər-kyə-rē How to pronounce methylmercury (audio)
-ˈmər-k(ə-)rē
: any of various toxic compounds of mercury containing the complex CH3Hg− that often occur as pollutants which accumulate in living organisms (such as fish) especially in higher levels of a food chain

Examples of methylmercury in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Known for being one of the most dangerous pollutants in existence, methylmercury is released into the environment via industrial activities such as the burning of coal. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 13 Feb. 2025 When exposed to methylmercury, the enzymes catalyze the protonolysis of methylmercury and naturally transform it into the less toxic elemental mercury (Hg0). Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 12 Feb. 2025 According to the National Institute of Health, fish and shellfish can contain varying levels of methylmercury (a toxic metal) that may harm an unborn baby. Ronnie Koenig, Parents, 25 Oct. 2024 Fish and shellfish concentrate mercury in their bodies, usually in the toxic form of methylmercury. Lindsey Desoto, Rd, Health, 9 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for methylmercury

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of methylmercury was in 1915

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Cite this Entry

“Methylmercury.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/methylmercury. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

methylmercury

noun
meth·​yl·​mer·​cury
ˌmeth-əl-ˈmər-kyə-rē, British also ˌmē-ˌthīl-
plural methylmercuries
: any of various toxic compounds of mercury containing the complex CH3Hg− that often occur as pollutants formed as industrial by-products or pesticide residues, tend to accumulate in living organisms (as fish) especially in higher levels of a food chain, are rapidly and easily absorbed through the human intestinal wall, and cause neurological dysfunction in humans see minamata disease
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