formalin

noun

for·​ma·​lin ˈfȯr-mə-lən How to pronounce formalin (audio)
-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 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 The room is quiet, save for a roaring fume hood to mask the wretched formalin stench. Alex Prewitt, SI.com, 7 May 2018 With both squids submerged in a couple thousand gallons of formalin, the addition of these specimens were likely to raise an eyebrow or two. Katherine J. Wu, Smithsonian, 21 June 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'formalin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Formalin, a trademark

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of formalin was in 1893

Dictionary Entries Near formalin

Cite this Entry

“Formalin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formalin. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

formalin

noun
for·​ma·​lin ˈfȯr-mə-lən, -ˌlēn How to pronounce formalin (audio)
: a clear aqueous solution of formaldehyde containing a small amount of methanol
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!