\Meth"yl\, n. [See {Methylene}.] (Chem.)
A hydrocarbon radical, {CH3}, not existing alone but regarded
as an essential residue of methane, and appearing as a
component part of many derivatives; as, methyl alcohol,
methyl ether, methyl amine, etc. [Formerly written also
{methule}, {methyle}, etc.]
{Methyl alcohol} (Chem.), a light, volatile, inflammable
   liquid, {CH3.OH}, obtained by the distillation of wood,
   and hence called {wood spirit}