methylene

/ˈmɛθɪliːn/

methylene

English Noun

Definition

The divalent group –CH₂– in which the free valencies are part of single bonds.

Etymology

French méthylène, from Ancient Greek μέθυ (méthu, “wine”) + ὕλη (húlē, “wood”). By surface analysis, meth- + -ylene.