methyl
1 Americanadjective
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containing the methyl group. Me
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a combining form occurring in the names of chemical compounds in which the methyl group is present.
methylamine.
noun
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(modifier) of, consisting of, or containing the monovalent group of atoms CH 3
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an organometallic compound in which methyl groups are bound directly to a metal atom
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The radical CH 3, derived from methane.
Other Word Forms
- methylic adjective
Etymology
Origin of methyl
First recorded in 1835–45; by back formation from methylene
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Many genetic conditions involve genes that are improperly turned on or off, and adjusting methyl groups may provide a way to correct those problems without damaging DNA.
From Science Daily • Jan. 5, 2026
"But in our experiments, virus-infected queens laid fewer eggs and produced less methyl oleate. That pheromone reduction seems to be the signal to workers that a queen is no longer fit to continue."
From Science Daily • Nov. 22, 2025
When levels of methyl oleate fall, workers detect the change and begin preparing to replace her.
From Science Daily • Nov. 22, 2025
In 2018, for instance, the FDA withdrew authorization for certain synthetic flavors—including benzophenone, ethyl acrylate, and eugenyl methyl ether—used to mimic flavors like mint, cinnamon and citrus in processed foods.
From Salon • Jan. 23, 2025
More volatile anaesthetics such as anestile or anaesthyl and coryl are produced by mixing with methyl chloride; a mixture of ethyl and methyl chlorides with ethyl bromide is known as somnoform.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 8 "Ethiopia" to "Evangelical Association" by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.