formic acid

noun

for·mic acid ˈfȯr-mik-

: a colorless pungent fuming vesicant liquid acid CH₂O₂ found especially in ants and in many plants and used chiefly in dyeing and finishing textiles

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Or is it applied topically, like the formic acid birds use to treat blood-sucking bird lice? —

Jesse Hawley, Discover Magazine, 6 Jan. 2021 Many ant species produce a poisonous substance within their venom gland called formic acid. —

Sophie Putka, Discover Magazine, 13 July 2020 Within a few years, Snyder and other radio astronomers had identified dozens of organic molecules, including formic acid (which causes the sting in ant bites) and methanol (a simple alcohol). —

Andrew Grant, Discover Magazine, 31 Jan. 2011 Some, like formic acid, work well to penetrate the caps of broods and kill infant mites. —

Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 29 June 2022 Wood ants use the same formic acid that the garden ants use to clean their nests and battle their prey. —

Sophie Putka, Discover Magazine, 13 July 2020 Thymol, and other naturally occurring miticides like oxalic acid, formic acid and hops, are used in current treatments in the form of strips or trays that go inside the hive. —

Michelle Cohan, CNN, 17 Nov. 2022 The formic acid that provides their main defense is no defense. —

John Anderson, WSJ, 1 Nov. 2022 According to the Cleveland Clinic, a biting ant will grab you with its pincers and release a chemical irritant called formic acid into your skin. —

Shanti Lerner, The Arizona Republic, 22 July 2022 See More

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

Word History

Etymology

irregular from Latin formica ant — more at pismire

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of formic acid was in 1790

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Formic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formic%20acid. Accessed 27 Mar. 2023.

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Kids Definition

formic acid

noun

for·mic acid ˌfȯr-mik-

: a colorless strong-smelling acid that irritates the skin, is found in insects (as ants) and in many plants, and is used chiefly in dyeing and finishing woven fabrics