/meth'euh lal", meth"euh lal'/ , n. Chem.
a colorless, flammable, volatile liquid, C 3 H 8 O 2 , having a chloroformlike odor, used chiefly as a solvent, in perfumery, and in organic synthesis. Also called dimethoxymethane, formal .
[ 1830-40; METHYL- + -AL 3 ]