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 The polish is made without harsh chemicals like formaldehyde, resin, and camphor. Lauren Finney Harden, Southern Living, 9 Aug. 2024 This soap-free body wash contains no dyes, fragrance, lanolin, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde releases, botanical extracts, sulfates, cocamidopropyl betaine, or gluten. Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 8 July 2024 The tests revealed that Morehouse BioEnergy LLC and LaSalle BioEnergy LLC emitted high rates of probable carcinogens acetaldehyde and formaldehyde and a total of more than 38 tons per year of toxic or hazardous air pollutants emitted from each site, company documents said. Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2024 Its award-winning formula is devoid of harsh ingredients that might be found in other top coats such as formaldehyde and phthalates. Lauren Finney Harden, Southern Living, 9 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for formaldehyde 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'formaldehyde.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 20 Sep. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!