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

If and when the F.D.A. removes formaldehyde from relaxers, that ban would not address the fact that the products most often used by Black women remain vastly underregulated and, until recently, insufficiently studied. —Linda Villarosa Robin Miles Krish Seenivasan Alec K. Redfearn, New York Times, 13 June 2024

In a traditional burial, bodies are often embalmed with a mixture of chemicals such as formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde and other solvents. —Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 12 June 2024

Plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, and according to a 1989 NASA study, certain houseplants can reduce toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene. —Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 13 Mar. 2024

They are made from non-toxic rubber free of PVC, phthalates, lead, flame retardants, and formaldehyde. —Casey Clark, Parents, 1 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary form- + aldehyde

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing formaldehyde

• urea-formaldehyde

Kids 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