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

The formulas used for extensions often contain formaldehyde, which is also not the safest chemical to have around your eyes. —Essence, 31 July 2025

Those can include formaldehyde, mercury, asbestos, lead and parabens, which have been linked to cancer, brain damage and reproductive harm. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 21 July 2025

Its air pollution tracking satellite, TEMPO (Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution), detected plumes of nitrogen dioxide and formaldehyde in the smoke on June 17. —Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025

People become exposed to formaldehyde by: Inhalation Ingestion Absorption through the skin Breathing in formaldehyde can cause issues like burning in the eyes and nose, wheezing, and coughing. —Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 17 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary form- + aldehyde

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing formaldehyde

• urea-formaldehyde

Rhymes for formaldehyde

• acetamide
• acetonide
• acidified
• antimonide
• beatified
• benzaldehyde
• borohydride
• chalcogenide
• commodified
• decalcified
• declassified
• disaccharide

Kids 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