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methylene

(Science: chemistry) A hydrocarbon radical, CH2, not known in the free state, but regarded as an essential residue and component of certain derivatives of methane; as, methylene bromide, CH2Br2; formerly called also methene.

(Science: chemistry) Methylene blue, an artificial dyestuff consisting of a complex sulphur derivative of diphenyl amine; called also pure blue.

Origin: F. Methylene, from Gr. Wine _ wood; a word coined to correspond to the name wood spirit.