formaldehyde

noun

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

Preserved inside a glass container filled with a solution of formaldehyde, the chunk of gray matter floats effortlessly, as though suspended in time. — Jennifer Nalewicki, Smithsonian, "How One Museum Is Giving a Voice to Former Mental Health Patients," 2 July 2019 The Laundress, an eco-friendly line of detergent and home-cleaning products, formulates without ammonia, petroleum, phthalates, phosphates, parabens, formaldehyde, artificial dyes, and chlorine bleach, as well as any other unnecessary additives. — Kaleigh Fasanella, Allure, "How to Tell If Your Laundry Detergent Is Messing With Your Skin," 15 June 2019 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, that includes formaldehyde, asbestos and arsenic. — CBS News, "Firefighters battle occupational cancer," 16 June 2019 Bonding these panels together are green solvents—not a single drop of formaldehyde anywhere. — Blake Z. Rong, Popular Mechanics, "RVs Are More Efficient Than Ever, Thanks to Eco-Friendly Manufacturing," 15 May 2019 Among the first to undergo evaluation is Propyl paraben, which is used as a preservative in various shampoos, conditioners, and lotions, and Methylene glycol (more commonly known as formaldehyde), which is used in a slew of hair treatments. — Ivana Rihter, Vogue, "Are Your Beauty Products Toxic? A New Senate Bill Aims to Tackle Unregulated Ingredients," 9 Mar. 2019 Inspired by the iridescent colors of the aurora borealis, Chantecaille’s new celestial polishes ensure out-of-this-world nails, free of harsh chemicals and formaldehydes, too. — Jenna Rennert, Vogue, "13 New Beauty Products Worth the Hype in 2019," 9 Jan. 2019 The catch: half of them also were given capsules containing borax, salicylic acid, or formaldehyde. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "We have food safety laws thanks to 19th century “poison squad”," 26 Nov. 2018 The following textile ingredients are also prohibited: toxic heavy metals, formaldehyde, aromatic solvents, GMOs and their enzymes, and azo dyes that release carcinogenic compounds. — Lindsay Talbot, Marie Claire, "Your Everything Guide to a Sustainable Closet," 19 July 2018

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.