Methanol (noun)

1. A colorless, flammable liquid alcohol, CH3OH, used as a solvent and antifreeze and as a fuel in alcohol burners.
2. A chemical alcohol used as a starting material in the production of a wide range of chemicals, including formaldehyde and acetic acid.

Origin:

Late 19th century: from german methanol, from methan "methane" + -ol, indicating a chemical alcohol.

Examples:

1. Methanol is a common ingredient in many household cleaning products.
2. The fuel for the race car was a mixture of methanol and nitromethane.
3. Methanol is used as a fuel in alcohol burners because of its high energy content.
4. The production of methanol from natural gas has become increasingly popular.
5. Methanol is used as a solvent in the manufacture of resins, plastics, and textiles.