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
Many of the latter can be harmful, from formaldehyde and heavy metals to endocrine disruptors like phthalates.
—
Nia Bowers, USA Today, 10 May 2025
In addition to preserving the milk, formaldehyde also reportedly had a slightly sweet flavor, which helped improve the taste of rot, Blum explains.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 1 May 2025
The two-story villa boasts artwork throughout the 9,000-square-foot unit, from his signature butterflies and pill motifs to two bull sharks suspended in formaldehyde in a white tank set into the suite’s wall.
—Melinda Sheckells, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
Appliances, coolant fluid, polyester curtains, cleaning products—all the manmade parts of a house can produce a rich suite of health-harming compounds and gases, like benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs.
—Alejandra Borunda, NPR, 19 Jan. 2025
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Nia Bowers, USA Today, 10 May 2025
In addition to preserving the milk, formaldehyde also reportedly had a slightly sweet flavor, which helped improve the taste of rot, Blum explains.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 1 May 2025
The two-story villa boasts artwork throughout the 9,000-square-foot unit, from his signature butterflies and pill motifs to two bull sharks suspended in formaldehyde in a white tank set into the suite’s wall.
—Melinda Sheckells, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
Appliances, coolant fluid, polyester curtains, cleaning products—all the manmade parts of a house can produce a rich suite of health-harming compounds and gases, like benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs.
—Alejandra Borunda, NPR, 19 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formaldehyde
Cite this Entry
“Formaldehyde.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formaldehyde. Accessed 15 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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