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Methanol Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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methanol

[หˆmษ›ฮธษ™nษ’l ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

chemical compound

Methanol is a colorless, volatile liquid with a slightly sweet odor. It is used as an industrial solvent, antifreeze, fuel, and in the production of formaldehyde.

Synonyms

methyl alcohol, wood alcohol.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
methanol

Methanol is commonly used in scientific and industrial settings. It's ideal for technical documents, research papers, and discussions about chemistry or engineering.

  • Methanol is often used as a solvent in laboratories
  • The production of methanol requires a catalyst
methyl alcohol

Methyl alcohol is typically used in more formal or technical communication, similar to 'methanol'. It's suitable for educational materials and professional discussions.

  • Methyl alcohol is a key ingredient in many chemical processes
  • Exposure to high levels of methyl alcohol can be dangerous
wood alcohol

Wood alcohol is often used in historical or layman's contexts to describe methanol, particularly when discussing its origins or older uses. It carries a hint of an old-fashioned or less technical tone.

  • In the past, wood alcohol was distilled from wood
  • People used to produce wood alcohol to fuel lamps

Examples of usage

  • Methanol is commonly used as a fuel in racing cars.
  • Industrial processes often involve the use of methanol as a solvent.
  • Antifreeze products may contain methanol for its properties.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Methanol is used in scientific laboratories as a solvent, helping to dissolve other substances for experiments.
  • Itโ€™s considered a simple alcohol, having one carbon atom and is often used to create other chemicals.

Health & Safety

  • Ingesting even a small amount of methanol can be extremely dangerous, leading to symptoms like headache and blurred vision.
  • It is metabolized in the body to formaldehyde, a substance that can cause serious harm to organs.

Industry

  • Methanol is an important feedstock for producing various chemicals, including formaldehyde and acetic acid, which are used in plastics.
  • It is gaining attention as a cleaner alternative fuel for vehicles, due to its potential to reduce emissions.

Environmental Impact

  • When produced sustainably, methanol can be derived from renewable sources such as biomass, benefiting the environment.
  • In recent years, researchers have explored converting carbon dioxide into methanol as a way to reduce greenhouse gases.

Origin of 'methanol'

Main points about word origin

  • The name 'methanol' comes from 'methyl', a chemical group, and 'alcohol', indicating itโ€™s a type of alcohol based on methyl.
  • It was first identified in the early 17th century during the distillation of wood, which is why itโ€™s sometimes called 'wood alcohol'.

The word 'methanol' is derived from 'methyl,' indicating the presence of a methyl group in the compound, and 'alcohol,' referring to its classification as an alcohol. Methanol has been known since ancient times, but its systematic production and use started in the 19th century with the advent of industrial chemistry.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,094, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.