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

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

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