aldehyde

noun

al·​de·​hyde ˈal-də-ˌhīd How to pronounce aldehyde (audio)
: acetaldehyde
broadly : any of a class of highly reactive organic compounds that are analogous to acetaldehyde and characterized by a carbonyl group attached to a hydrogen atom
aldehydic adjective

Examples of aldehyde in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web That’s thanks to aldehydes, the groundbreaking ingredient featured in No. 5, which changed the industry and have influenced countless fragrances since. Lindy Segal, Harper's BAZAAR, 31 July 2023 In addition to aldehydes, the ingredient famously found in Chanel No. 5, Johnston says one major signifier of a powdery scent is musk. Lindy Segal, Harper's BAZAAR, 31 July 2023 In a three-step process, with each step using difference enzymes, the CO2 was broken down first to acids, then to aldehydes, and finally to alcohols. IEEE Spectrum, 12 Dec. 2014 Studies show these chemicals are known as aldehydes and can cause lung and heart disease, according to the American Lung Association. Jen Christensen, CNN, 27 Apr. 2023 Using scent-capture machinery, perfumers isolated four volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in the atmosphere in marine settings—stuff like aldehydes and ketones—and blended them into a perfume. Brian Underwood, Women's Health, 15 Feb. 2023 And it’s one of the first perfumes that really leaned in hard on a synthetic called an aldehyde. Kira Bindrim, Quartz, 23 May 2022 Most critical was the addition of a particular musk and a particular aldehyde, which in combination would, in principle, generate a fresh, peppery note. Scott Sayare, Harper's Magazine, 23 Nov. 2021 All three are aldehydes, which are responsible for lots of odors. Elizabeth Pennisi, Science | AAAS, 16 Apr. 2020 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aldehyde.' 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

German Aldehyd, from New Latin al. dehyd., abbreviation of alcohol dehydrogenatum dehydrogenated alcohol

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aldehyde was in 1833

Dictionary Entries Near aldehyde

Cite this Entry

“Aldehyde.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aldehyde. Accessed 27 Sep. 2023.

Medical Definition

aldehyde

noun
al·​de·​hyde ˈal-də-ˌhīd How to pronounce aldehyde (audio)
: acetaldehyde
broadly : any of various highly reactive compounds typified by acetaldehyde and characterized by the group CHO
aldehydic adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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