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
His shirt reeked of the flowery-formaldehyde tartness of mothballs pickling dress pockets in a closet.
—
Literary Hub, 3 June 2026
Methylobacteria consume simple carbon compounds, including chemicals such as formaldehyde.
—Doyle Rice, USA Today, 31 May 2026
Researchers also examined studies finding that vaping aerosols contain potentially carcinogenic compounds, including formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and heavy metals such as nickel, chromium and lead that may come from heating elements within devices.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 28 May 2026
In a statement on Wednesday, the environmental group said generators release air pollutants, such as benzene, formaldehyde and nitrogen oxides, that are harming the nearby Big Cypress National Preserve.
—Miami Herald, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for formaldehyde
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Literary Hub, 3 June 2026
Methylobacteria consume simple carbon compounds, including chemicals such as formaldehyde.
—Doyle Rice, USA Today, 31 May 2026
Researchers also examined studies finding that vaping aerosols contain potentially carcinogenic compounds, including formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and heavy metals such as nickel, chromium and lead that may come from heating elements within devices.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 28 May 2026
In a statement on Wednesday, the environmental group said generators release air pollutants, such as benzene, formaldehyde and nitrogen oxides, that are harming the nearby Big Cypress National Preserve.
—Miami Herald, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for formaldehyde
Cite this Entry
“Formaldehyde.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formaldehyde. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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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