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

Another plus: The foam is CertiPUR-US Certified, which means it’s made without harmful chemicals like formaldehyde or heavy metals like mercury and lead. —Claudia Fisher, SELF, 3 Oct. 2024

There's also formaldehyde and arsenic in the air apparently. —Michael Calore, WIRED, 27 June 2024

The 13 Best Inexpensive Sheet Sets of 2024, Tested by BHG What to Avoid When Shopping for Sheets Stay away from sheets with finishes marketed as wrinkle-free or extra-soft because they're often made with powerful chemicals like formaldehyde. —Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Sep. 2024

Just remember: stay away from the river, and never trust a mysterious American scientist bearing formaldehyde! —Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 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