formaldehyde
noun
form·al·de·hyde
fȯr-ˈmal-də-ˌhīd 
fər-
: a colorless pungent irritating gas CH2O used chiefly in aqueous solution as a disinfectant and preservative and in chemical synthesis
Examples of formaldehyde in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The biggest ingredients to avoid are formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) but there are plenty more that can be considered dangerous.
—
Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 3 Feb. 2025
Much of the formaldehyde outdoors is also spontaneously formed from other pollutants.
—Sharon Lerner and Al Shaw, CNN, 5 Dec. 2024
The increase is attributed to the acquisition of a subsidiary focused on formaldehyde treatment services.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 19 Nov. 2024
Adhesives contain formaldehyde, mills consume energy and produce waste wood, and trucks spew diesel fumes, so even the purest forms of construction inflict environmental cost.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 8 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formaldehyde
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.
Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 3 Feb. 2025
Much of the formaldehyde outdoors is also spontaneously formed from other pollutants.
—Sharon Lerner and Al Shaw, CNN, 5 Dec. 2024
The increase is attributed to the acquisition of a subsidiary focused on formaldehyde treatment services.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 19 Nov. 2024
Adhesives contain formaldehyde, mills consume energy and produce waste wood, and trucks spew diesel fumes, so even the purest forms of construction inflict environmental cost.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 8 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formaldehyde
Cite this Entry
“Formaldehyde.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formaldehyde. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
formaldehyde
noun
form·al·de·hyde
fȯr-ˈmal-də-ˌhīd
fər-
: a colorless gas that consists of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, has a sharp irritating odor, and when dissolved in water is used to disinfect or to prevent decay
Medical Definition
formaldehyde
noun
form·al·de·hyde
fȯr-ˈmal-də-ˌhīd, fər-
: a colorless pungent irritating gas CH2O used chiefly as a disinfectant and preservative and in chemical synthesis
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share