methylate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Highly TechnicalTechnical/Scientific. Exclusively used in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, and related industrial contexts.
Quick answer
What does “methylate” mean?
to introduce a methyl group (-CH3) into a compound.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to introduce a methyl group (-CH3) into a compound.
In chemical synthesis, the process of replacing a hydrogen atom with a methyl group, often to modify a substance's properties or as a step in a larger reaction. In molecular biology, it can refer to adding methyl groups to DNA (DNA methylation), which is an epigenetic mechanism affecting gene expression.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical. Potential minor difference in pronunciation of the final syllable.
Connotations
Purely technical and neutral in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both AmE and BrE, confined to technical literature.
Grammar
How to Use “methylate” in a Sentence
[Subject: Agent/Catalyst] + methylate + [Object: Compound/ DNA][Subject: Compound/DNA] + be methylated + (by [Agent])Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “methylate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The researchers aimed to methylate the aromatic ring at the para position.
- This enzyme is known to methylate specific cytosine residues in the genome.
American English
- We need to methylate the precursor before the next reaction step.
- The team found a new catalyst that can methylate alkenes under mild conditions.
adjective
British English
- The methylate derivative showed increased stability. (Note: 'methylated' is far more common)
- They analysed the methylate species using spectrometry.
American English
- The methylate compound is the desired product of this synthesis. (Note: 'methylated' is preferred)
- Careful handling of methylate intermediates is required.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, or specialty chemicals business reports.
Academic
Common in research papers and textbooks for chemistry, biochemistry, genetics, and pharmacology.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary register. Used in lab protocols, chemical patents, scientific discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “methylate”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “methylate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “methylate”
- Using 'methylate' as a noun (the noun is 'methylation').
- Confusing 'methylate' with 'methanolate' or 'create methanol'.
- Using it in a non-chemical context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialised term used almost exclusively in chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology.
'Methylate' is a verb describing the action. 'Methylated' is the past participle/adjective form describing the state of the compound after the action (e.g., 'methylated DNA').
Rarely and it is considered non-standard. The correct noun form for the process is 'methylation'. A 'methylate' as a noun might refer to a salt or ester of methanol, but this usage is archaic and confusing; 'methoxide' is the preferred modern term.
Yes, indirectly. Methanol (CH3OH) is the simplest alcohol and a source of methyl groups. A reagent used to methylate a compound might be a derivative of methanol.
to introduce a methyl group (-CH3) into a compound.
Methylate is usually technical/scientific. exclusively used in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, and related industrial contexts. in register.
Methylate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛθɪleɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛθəˌleɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The term is strictly technical.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'METHYL' (the chemical group) + the verb-making '-ATE', like 'activate'. It means 'to make something have a methyl group'.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TAGGING or LABELLING process. Methylation is often conceptualised as adding a chemical 'tag' to a molecule that changes its instructions or behaviour (especially for DNA).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'methylate'?