formaldehyde

noun

form·​al·​de·​hyde fȯr-ˈmal-də-ˌhīd How to pronounce formaldehyde (audio)
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
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.
The trend was toward conceptual art, and the YBA (Young British Artists) were putting animals in formaldehyde (Damien Hirst) or photographing anonymous subjects with placards (Gillian Wearing). Robert Sullivan, Vogue, 17 Mar. 2025 Koch’s subsidiary, Georgia-Pacific, made formaldehyde and many products that emit it. Sharon Lerner, ProPublica, 6 Mar. 2025 Zyn nicotine pouches — which have become a popular alternative to smoking cigarettes or vaping, due to their lack of smoke or scent — have been found to contain ammonia, chromium, formaldehyde and nickel, according to a 2023 study from BMC Chemistry. Rachel Raposas, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025 Additionally, formaldehyde is emitted in some Colorado communities that are predominantly people of color, according to advocates for those communities. Jenni Shearston, The Conversation, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for formaldehyde

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary form- + aldehyde

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of formaldehyde was in 1872

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Cite this Entry

“Formaldehyde.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formaldehyde. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

formaldehyde

noun
form·​al·​de·​hyde fȯr-ˈmal-də-ˌhīd How to pronounce formaldehyde (audio)
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- How to pronounce formaldehyde (audio)
: a colorless pungent irritating gas CH2O used chiefly as a disinfectant and preservative and in chemical synthesis

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