formalin
noun
for·ma·lin
ˈfȯr-mə-lən 
-ˌlēn
: a clear aqueous solution of formaldehyde and methanol used especially as a preservative
Examples of formalin in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
No genetic testing could be done on either specimen due to the deteriorating effects of the formalin used for preservation, which breaks down DNA over time.
—
Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
The shark was preserved in formalin and held in a private collection until researchers were granted access to it in 2023.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
For example, methylene glycol and formalin are just liquid forms of formaldehyde.
—Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 27 Oct. 2023
Some soaps, shampoos, lotions and cleaning products contain formalin, which is formaldehyde dissolved in water.
—Claretta Bellamy, NBC News, 17 Oct. 2023
Specialist treatment options include: Topical therapies: These include chemical irritants like bleomycin, cantharidin, glutaraldehyde, formalin, and podophyllin or acids like lactic acid and trichloroacetic acid (TCA).
—Heather L. Brannon, Md, Verywell Health, 7 Sep. 2023
In the late 1960s, a vaccine was produced in which the virus was inactivated with formalin, a chemical that kills viruses.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 22 June 2023
Waste bags filled with formalin, a formaldehyde derivative intended to preserve the remains, had leaked and degraded over time.
—Crystal Hill, Indianapolis Star, 31 Dec. 2019
One side is further dissected and frozen at minus 80 degrees Celsius, while the other is fixed in formalin.
—Emily Toomey, Smithsonian, 21 Aug. 2019
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Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
The shark was preserved in formalin and held in a private collection until researchers were granted access to it in 2023.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
For example, methylene glycol and formalin are just liquid forms of formaldehyde.
—Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 27 Oct. 2023
Some soaps, shampoos, lotions and cleaning products contain formalin, which is formaldehyde dissolved in water.
—Claretta Bellamy, NBC News, 17 Oct. 2023
Specialist treatment options include: Topical therapies: These include chemical irritants like bleomycin, cantharidin, glutaraldehyde, formalin, and podophyllin or acids like lactic acid and trichloroacetic acid (TCA).
—Heather L. Brannon, Md, Verywell Health, 7 Sep. 2023
In the late 1960s, a vaccine was produced in which the virus was inactivated with formalin, a chemical that kills viruses.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 22 June 2023
Waste bags filled with formalin, a formaldehyde derivative intended to preserve the remains, had leaked and degraded over time.
—Crystal Hill, Indianapolis Star, 31 Dec. 2019
One side is further dissected and frozen at minus 80 degrees Celsius, while the other is fixed in formalin.
—Emily Toomey, Smithsonian, 21 Aug. 2019
Cite this Entry
“Formalin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formalin. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
formalin
noun
for·ma·lin
ˈfȯr-mə-lən, -ˌlēn
: a clear aqueous solution of formaldehyde containing a small amount of methanol
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