aldehyde

noun

al·​de·​hyde ˈal-də-ˌhīd 

: 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

ˌal-də-ˈhī-dik 

adjective

Examples of aldehyde in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These compounds, called aldehydes, can cause cell damage. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 28 Apr. 2025

The classic perfume melds aldehydes with notes of May rose, jasmine, and citrus before settleing into a cozy, ready-for-bed base note of bourbon vanilla leaves. —Jenny Berg, Allure, 13 Mar. 2025

Try Byredo’s new Blanche Absolu, a revival of its cult-classic ‘skin scent’ that features a stronger aldehyde composition further enhanced by ambroxan at the base. —Venus Wong, Refinery29, 1 Apr. 2025

With opening notes of white rose, pink pepper, and aldehyde, the perfume dries down into a cozy, ready-for-dreamland base of blonde woods, sandalwood, and musk. —Jenny Berg, Allure, 13 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for aldehyde

• actinide
• alkoxide
• alongside
• amplified
• arsenide
• beautified
• biocide
• butoxide
• calcified
• ceramide
• certified
• citywide

Medical Definition

aldehyde

noun

al·​de·​hyde ˈal-də-ˌhīd 

: acetaldehyde

broadly : any of various highly reactive compounds typified by acetaldehyde and characterized by the group CHO

aldehydic

ˌal-də-ˈhīd-ik 

adjective