aldehyde

noun

al·​de·​hyde ˈal-də-ˌhīd How to pronounce aldehyde (audio)
: acetaldehyde
broadly : any of a class of highly reactive organic compounds that are analogous to acetaldehyde and characterized by a carbonyl group attached to a hydrogen atom
aldehydic adjective

Examples of aldehyde in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Beaux’s blend of rose, jasmine, and synthetic aldehydes, an ingredient No. 5 would popularize, remains iconic 100 years later. Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, 26 Nov. 2024 In some instances, both aldehyde and carboxylic acid molecules are present. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Nov. 2024 If a carboxyl group replaced the aldehyde, however, feathers turned yellow. Elizabeth Pennisi, science.org, 31 Oct. 2024 In red feathers, these chains of carbon atoms ended with an organic compound called aldehyde. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for aldehyde 

Word History

Etymology

German Aldehyd, from New Latin al. dehyd., abbreviation of alcohol dehydrogenatum dehydrogenated alcohol

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aldehyde was in 1833

Dictionary Entries Near aldehyde

Cite this Entry

“Aldehyde.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aldehyde. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

aldehyde

noun
al·​de·​hyde ˈal-də-ˌhīd How to pronounce aldehyde (audio)
: acetaldehyde
broadly : any of various highly reactive compounds typified by acetaldehyde and characterized by the group CHO
aldehydic adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!