METHYLENE
Etymology
Noun
methylene (countable and uncountable, plural methylenes)
(organic chemistry) The divalent radical CH2< in which the free valencies are part of single bonds.
(organic chemistry) The same group, present as a repeating unit, in aliphatic compounds with names such as hexamethylenediamine.
(organic chemistry) The unstable carbene CH2
Synonyms
• methene
Source: Wiktionary
Meth"yl*ene, n. Etym: [F. méthylène, from Gr. wood spirit.] (Chem.)
Definition: 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. Methylene blue (Chem.), an artificial dyestuff consisting of
a complex sulphur derivative of diphenyl amine; -- called also pure
blue.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition