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.
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 However, the actual rule to regulate formaldehyde will be up to the incoming Trump administration. Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 3 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near formaldehyde

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on formaldehyde

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