What does methanol mean?
Methanol is a simple chemical compound, CH₃OH, belonging to the family of substances known as alcohols. It is colourless, volatile, flammable, and readily soluble in water. Although it was historically called wood alcohol because it could be produced by destructive distillation of timber, that name is now mainly a warning or historical reference: methanol is poisonous and should never be consumed. In industry, it serves as a solvent, a fuel, and a basic raw material for producing chemicals such as formaldehyde. Its toxicity makes accidental poisoning an important safety concern, particularly when it contaminates homemade or illegally produced alcoholic drinks. In reports of poisoning, exposure may be described as ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption, with symptoms including headache, dizziness, visual disturbance, and metabolic illness. The word combines the chemical root “methyl” with “alcohol,” reflecting its position among the simplest organic alcohols.
nounMethanol is a colourless, flammable, poisonous alcohol used as an industrial solvent, fuel, and feedstock for chemical production. It is also called methyl alcohol or wood alcohol, though the latter name reflects its historical production rather than a recommendation for use.
- The chemical compound CH₃OH, a toxic alcohol used as an industrial solvent, fuel, and chemical feedstock.
- Methanol-containing fuel or fluid, especially in contexts involving spills, poisoning, or contamination.
"The laboratory stored the methanol in a tightly sealed, clearly labelled cabinet."
"Methanol is used in the manufacture of formaldehyde and other chemical products."
"The investigation concluded that the illness had been caused by contamination with methanol."
The plural is rare and is generally used when referring to different samples, formulations, or types of methanol.
"The laboratory tested several methanols from different batches."
Methanol is sometimes called wood alcohol, but its modern danger is far greater than its old nickname suggests: even small amounts can cause blindness, coma, or death.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of methanol
The name “methanol” was formed in the nineteenth century from “methyl” and “alcohol,” using the chemical convention of naming an alcohol after its alkyl group. The element “methyl” comes through French and Latin from Greek roots associated with methyle, meaning “sweet,” while “alcohol” ultimately derives through Arabic from the Greek word al-kuhl. The name therefore combines an organic-chemical group term with the established name for the class of compounds.
Related word forms
How methanol is actually used
In technical contexts, methanol is the preferred precise name. “Wood alcohol” is a traditional term and should not be taken to mean that the substance is suitable for drinking; methanol is acutely toxic and can be fatal.
Easily confused with methanol
Methanol is highly toxic and is primarily used as an industrial chemical or fuel, whereas ethanol is the alcohol commonly found in alcoholic beverages.