formaldehyde

noun

form·​al·​de·​hyde fȯr-ˈmal-də-ˌhīd How to pronounce formaldehyde (audio)
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 a traditional burial, bodies are often embalmed with a mixture of chemicals such as formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde and other solvents. Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Feb. 2024 There’s also formaldehyde in certain kinds of nail care, according to the FDA. Marci Robin, Allure, 29 Jan. 2024 Most of those listed appear to be common: formaldehyde sounds scary but it’s found in household building materials; barium and cadmium are natural elements with widespread usage, and PFAS are prevalent from a wide variety of sources. Michael Lynch, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024 Safety concerns about vaccine ingredients, such as thimerosal, aluminum and formaldehyde. Monica Wang, The Conversation, 13 Dec. 2023 And in nail strengtheners, formaldehyde is supposed to bond with the nail’s keratin. Marci Robin, Allure, 29 Jan. 2024 The noxious odor of formaldehyde heightened my angst. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 5 Jan. 2024 The products are free of parabens, SLS/SLES, cyclic silicones, phthalates, and formaldehyde. Deanna Pai, Peoplemag, 3 Dec. 2023 It was also found that e-cigarettes contain a number of dangerous chemicals including acetaldehyde, acrolein and formaldehyde. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'formaldehyde.' 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

International Scientific Vocabulary form- + aldehyde

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of formaldehyde was in 1872

Dictionary Entries Near formaldehyde

Cite this Entry

“Formaldehyde.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formaldehyde. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

formaldehyde

noun
form·​al·​de·​hyde fȯr-ˈmal-də-ˌhīd How to pronounce formaldehyde (audio)
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- How to pronounce formaldehyde (audio)
: a colorless pungent irritating gas CH2O used chiefly as a disinfectant and preservative and in chemical synthesis

More from Merriam-Webster on formaldehyde

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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