Methyl
/ˈmɛθ.ɪl/noun
A chemical group derived from methane, used as a substituent in many organic compounds.
Did you know?Methyl was coined in the 19th century from Greek roots meaning “wine” and “wood,” because early chemists linked it to wood alcohol and distilled spirits.
Etymological Timeline
19th Century
French
méthyle
“A radical in organic chemistry associated with wood alcohol”
19th Century
German
Methyl
“The same chemical radical used in early organic chemistry”
1830s
French/Greek
méthylène
“A related chemical term coined from Greek roots”
Ancient Greek
Greek
methy
“Wine”
Ancient Greek
Greek
hylē
“Wood, matter, material”