formaldehyde

form·al·de·hyde | \ fȯr-ˈmal-də-ˌhīd

, fər- \

Definition of formaldehyde

: 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 Used in glues, formaldehyde is a substance linked to respiratory issues and cancers. — Anne Quito, Quartz at Work, "We’re about to re-enter an office full of half-baked design prototypes," 19 May 2020 On March 26, small samples of each of Ramirez’s organs were collected and preserved in formaldehyde. — Los Angeles Times, "A widow believed coronavirus killed her husband. It took weeks to learn the truth," 15 Apr. 2020 Many of the known astromolecules, including water, ammonia and formaldehyde, are common here on Earth. — Ryan C. Fortenberry, Scientific American, "The First Molecule in the Universe," 1 Feb. 2020 Using a laser particle sensor and an electrochemical sensor combined, this professional air quality monitor measures VOCs, HCHO (formaldehyde), PM2.5, and PM10 while also giving a general air quality index reading. — Popular Science, "Air quality monitors that verify the safety of the air in your home," 8 Apr. 2020 Clean Fresh is formulated without talc, parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates, mineral oil, or sulfates, according to a press release. — Leah Prinzivalli, Allure, "CoverGirl Launched Clean Fresh, an Affordable, Vegan Beauty Line," 16 Dec. 2019 The fluid, a tinted potion of formaldehyde and other chemicals (some funeral homes now offer a nonformaldehyde alternative), is designed to erase the natural pallor of death and plump up the skin. — Maggie Jones, New York Times, "The Movement to Bring Death Closer," 19 Dec. 2019 Countries that don’t democratize after their Supreme Commander dies tend to embalm them and keep them somewhere prominent, like China has done with chairman Mao, who lies full of formaldehyde in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square. — Ilaria Maria Sala, Quartz, "It’s Spain’s turn to ponder what to do with a dead dictator," 16 Oct. 2019 The Dank Vapes vapor was found to contain seven pesticides, as well as significant levels of vitamin E and trace amounts of formaldehyde. — Conor Ferguson, NBC News, "Bootleg marijuana vapes produce vapor tainted with formaldehyde, tests show," 13 Nov. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'formaldehyde.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.