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(methanol)
wood alcohol: an alcohol that is oxidized in the body much more slowly than ethyl alcohol and forms poisonous products. As little as 10 ml of pure methyl alcohol can produce permanent blindness, and 100 ml is likely to be fatal. The breakdown product formaldehyde is responsible for damage to the eyes; it is itself converted to formic acid, which causes acidosis and death from respiratory failure. See also methylated spirits.
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[NF] a clear, colorless, flammable liquid, CH3OH, with characteristic odor, miscible with alcohol, ether, and water; it has many industrial and household uses, including in solvents and antifreeze. Called also methanol. See also methanol poisoning, under poisoning.Medical dictionary. 2011.