ˌmethəˈlal, ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
( -s )
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary methyl + -al
1. : a volatile flammable liquid acetal CH 2 (OCH 3 ) 2 that has a pleasant ethereal odor, is made by reaction of formaldehyde and methanol or by partial oxidation of methanol, and is used chiefly as a solvent and in organic synthesis — called also formal
2. : formal 2