methylated spirits: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low to MediumTechnical/Formal
Quick answer
What does “methylated spirits” mean?
A form of ethanol that has been made unfit for drinking by adding methanol and a dye, used as a solvent, fuel, or cleaning agent.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A form of ethanol that has been made unfit for drinking by adding methanol and a dye, used as a solvent, fuel, or cleaning agent.
Commonly known as 'meths', it is a denatured alcohol, typically purple in colour, used in laboratories, for lighting stoves and heaters, or for cleaning surfaces and removing stains.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is predominantly British. In American English, 'denatured alcohol' is the common term.
Connotations
In British English, it has domestic, workshop, and laboratory connotations. In American English, 'denatured alcohol' sounds more industrial/chemical.
Frequency
High frequency in UK technical and domestic contexts; very low frequency in general American English.
Grammar
How to Use “methylated spirits” in a Sentence
Use methylated spirits + to-infinitive (purpose)Clean something + with methylated spiritsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “methylated spirits” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- You need to methylate the ethanol to avoid alcohol duty.
- The laboratory methylated the spirits for the experiment.
American English
- The company denatures the alcohol by methylating it.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial use]
American English
- [No standard adverbial use]
adjective
British English
- The methylated spirit burner was ready for use.
- She used a methylated spirit solution.
American English
- [Primarily uses 'denatured' as adjective, e.g., denatured alcohol rag]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in product specifications for cleaning or fuel products.
Academic
Found in chemistry texts and laboratory procedure manuals.
Everyday
Referenced in DIY contexts for cleaning paintbrushes or fueling camping stoves.
Technical
Standard term in chemical safety data sheets and industrial solvent lists.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “methylated spirits”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “methylated spirits”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “methylated spirits”
- Calling it 'methyl alcohol' (which is just methanol).
- Using it as a plural count noun ('a methylated spirits' is incorrect; 'a bottle of...' is correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is deliberately poisoned with methanol and other additives to make it toxic and undrinkable.
A purple dye (often methyl violet) is added to visually distinguish it from consumable alcohol and to warn users.
No, rubbing alcohol is typically isopropyl alcohol. Methylated spirits is denatured ethanol (ethyl alcohol).
In the UK, it is commonly found in hardware stores, pharmacies, and supermarkets, often near paints and cleaning products.
A form of ethanol that has been made unfit for drinking by adding methanol and a dye, used as a solvent, fuel, or cleaning agent.
Methylated spirits is usually technical/formal in register.
Methylated spirits: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɛθɪleɪtɪd ˈspɪrɪts/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɛθɪleɪtɪd ˈspɪrɪts/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
METHylated Spirits: Think of METHanol added to ETHanol to make it undrinkable, hence 'METH'ylated.
Conceptual Metaphor
PURIFYING AGENT / CONTAMINATED SUBSTANCE (It cleans but is itself 'spoilt' for drinking).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary American English equivalent of 'methylated spirits'?