Definition

A clear, colorless liquid that is toxic and flammable, often used as a solvent, antifreeze, or fuel.

Example

Methanol is commonly used in laboratories as a solvent for chemical reactions.

Conversation

Have you ever worked with methanol in your experiments?

Yeah, I have! It's pretty interesting but also quite dangerous.

I heard it's used as a solvent too, right?

Exactly! Just make sure to handle it carefully because it's toxic.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Methanol is formed from "meth" (from the Greek "methy", meaning wine or alcohol) and "-anol" (a suffix used in organic chemistry to denote alcohols). The word "methanol" refers to an alcohol derived from one carbon atom, often associated with its use as a solvent or fuel.

Memory Tip

Think of 'meth' relating to alcohol and '-anol' indicating it's an alcohol compound. This helps you remember that methanol is a type of alcohol.

Visually Confused Words