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

Examples of formic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In testing, the setup produced a pure aqueous formic acid solution under real sunlight, even as the light intensity changed. — New Atlas, 21 June 2026

The device was able to continuously convert water and carbon dioxide into formic acid, maintaining stable performance even as sunlight intensity changed. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 14 June 2026

According to the research team, formic acid acts as a solvent that temporarily disrupts the protein interaction—holding the fibers together—without altering the proteins themselves. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 18 May 2026

Harvester ants are aggressive, well-armored and loaded with defensive chemicals, including formic acid. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 13 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

irregular from Latin formica ant — more at pismire

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for formic acid

• antacid
• placid

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

Medical Definition

formic acid

noun

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