methyl bromide: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical
Quick answer
What does “methyl bromide” mean?
A volatile, toxic halogenated organic compound (CH₃Br) used primarily as a fumigant pesticide and in organic synthesis.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A volatile, toxic halogenated organic compound (CH₃Br) used primarily as a fumigant pesticide and in organic synthesis.
It is also a regulated ozone-depleting substance used historically for soil sterilization, commodity treatment, and quarantine applications.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. Differences lie in regulatory status and application contexts.
Connotations
Commonly associated with its phase-out under the Montreal Protocol in both varieties. In technical contexts, the usage is identical.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse. Slightly higher in US agricultural and pest control industries historically. Equal frequency in scientific literature.
Grammar
How to Use “methyl bromide” in a Sentence
[subject] phased out [methyl bromide] for [purpose][methyl bromide] was used to fumigate [object]The application of [methyl bromide] to [soil/cargo]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “methyl bromide” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The greenhouse was methyl-bromide-fumigated before planting.
- They decided to methyl-bromide-treat the shipment.
American English
- The soil was methyl bromide fumigated last season.
- We need to methyl bromide treat these pallets.
adverb
British English
- None. Not used adverbially.
American English
- None. Not used adverbially.
adjective
British English
- The methyl-bromide phase-out is nearly complete.
- Methyl-bromide regulations are strict.
American English
- The methyl bromide phaseout schedule is aggressive.
- Methyl bromide use requires a critical use exemption.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussed in agricultural supply, pest control services, and compliance with environmental regulations.
Academic
Used in chemistry, environmental science, agricultural engineering, and toxicology papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Might appear in news articles about environmental treaties or farming.
Technical
Standard term in chemistry, pest management protocols, and regulatory documents (e.g., EPA, UNEP).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “methyl bromide”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “methyl bromide”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “methyl bromide”
- Misspelling as 'methyl bromine' (incorrect; 'bromide' is the anion/form).
- Using as a countable noun (e.g., 'a methyl bromide') – it is uncountable mass noun.
- Pronouncing 'methyl' as /ˈmɛθɪl/ instead of the standard /ˈmiːθaɪl/ or /ˈmɛθəl/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but its use is highly restricted. Some countries grant 'critical use exemptions' for specific agricultural or quarantine purposes where no technically and economically feasible alternative exists.
It is acutely toxic to humans and pests. More significantly, it releases bromine atoms in the stratosphere, which catalytically destroy ozone molecules, contributing to ozone layer depletion.
Alternatives vary by application and include other chemical fumigants (e.g., chloropicrin, 1,3-dichloropropene mixtures), heat treatments, steam sterilization, and bio-fumigation using certain plants.
Yes, bromomethane is the systematic IUPAC name for the compound CH₃Br, synonymous with methyl bromide.
A volatile, toxic halogenated organic compound (CH₃Br) used primarily as a fumigant pesticide and in organic synthesis.
Methyl bromide is usually technical in register.
Methyl bromide: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmiːθaɪl ˈbrəʊmaɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɛθəl ˈbroʊˌmaɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. This is a technical term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'METHYL' group (CH₃-) + 'BROMIDE' (contains bromine). A 'bromine' version of methyl chloride.
Conceptual Metaphor
Treated conceptually as a TOOL/WEAPON against pests, but also a POLLUTANT/THREAT to the ozone layer.
Practice
Quiz
Methyl bromide is primarily classified as what?