formaldehyde

[fawr-mal-duh-hahyd, fer-]

noun

Chemistry.

1. a colorless, toxic, potentially carcinogenic, water-soluble gas, CH 2 O, having a suffocating odor, usually derived from methyl alcohol by oxidation: used chiefly in aqueous solution, as a disinfectant and preservative, and in the manufacture of various resins and plastics.

formaldehyde

/ fɔːˈmældɪˌhaɪd /

noun

1. Systematic name: methanal. a colourless poisonous irritating gas with a pungent characteristic odour, made by the oxidation of methanol and used as formalin and in the manufacture of synthetic resins. Formula: HCHO

formaldehyde

1. A colorless gas having a sharp, suffocating odor. It is used in making plastics and, when dissolved in a solution of water and methanol, to preserve biological specimens. Chemical formula: CH ₂ O.

Word History and Origins

Origin of formaldehyde¹

1870–75; form(ic) + aldehyde; modeled on German Formaldehyd

Word History and Origins

Origin of formaldehyde¹

C19: _form ( _ic ) + _aldehyde ; on the model of German Formaldehyd

Example Sentences

The provision in question applies to the regulation of nearly 200 pollutants, including mercury, arsenic, benzene and formaldehyde.

From Los Angeles Times

In particular, they cited the government’s evaluation of chemicals including formaldehyde, inorganic arsenic and hexavalent chromium, which can be used or created by industrial processes.

From Los Angeles Times

He also raised safety and health concerns when Alameda Health System changed how Highland Hospital disposed of formaldehyde.

From Los Angeles Times

In addition to smoke and soot, the space agency detected large plumes of harmful gases emanating from the wildfires, including lung-irritating nitrogen dioxide and cancer-causing formaldehyde.

From Los Angeles Times

Non-biodegradable coffins are often made with harmful chemicals and bodies are embalmed using formaldehyde: a toxic substance which can leach into soil.

From BBC

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