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.
Come for the 21-free formula absent of potentially harmful ingredients like formaldehyde, camphor, and DHP; stay for the incredibly smooth application. Taryn Brooke, Glamour, 16 Dec. 2025 His team found additives like borax in meat to disguise spoilage, formaldehyde added to milk, and coal-tar dyes used in candy, all of which posed serious health risks. Ben Baumann, IndyStar, 5 Dec. 2025 Many of these products are essentially plastic dishes made from melamine-formaldehyde resin containing bamboo filler. Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025 On safety and environment, Li said the company’s fermentation and formulations avoid aniline, formaldehyde, and heavy metals. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 11 Nov. 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 19 Dec. 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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