formaldehyde

noun

form·​al·​de·​hyde fȯr-ˈmal-də-ˌhīd 

fər-

: 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

In addition to particulates, wildfire smoke contains a complex mix of toxic gases, including carbon monoxide, ozone and VOCs, such as benzene and formaldehyde. —Sissi Liu, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025

Plus, Mineral Fusion’s products are vegan, and its formulas are 16-free—meaning they’re made without chemicals such as formaldehyde and parabens. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025

Healthcare workers are frequently exposed to formaldehyde in laboratories and medical settings. —John F. McQuillan, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025

After experimenting with a range of materials, the scientists created nano-sized plastic beads made from melamine and formaldehyde. —Michael Franco, New Atlas, 16 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary form- + aldehyde

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing formaldehyde

• urea-formaldehyde

Rhymes for formaldehyde

• acetamide
• acetonide
• acidified
• antimonide
• beatified
• benzaldehyde
• borohydride
• chalcogenide
• commodified
• decalcified
• declassified
• disaccharide

Kids Definition

formaldehyde

noun

form·​al·​de·​hyde fȯr-ˈmal-də-ˌhīd 

fər-

: a colorless gas that consists of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, has a sharp irritating odor, and when dissolved in water is used to disinfect or to prevent decay

Medical Definition

formaldehyde

noun

form·​al·​de·​hyde fȯr-ˈmal-də-ˌhīd, fər- 

: a colorless pungent irritating gas CH₂O used chiefly as a disinfectant and preservative and in chemical synthesis