acetaldehyde
noun
ac·et·al·de·hyde
ˌa-sə-ˈtal-də-ˌhīd 
: a colorless volatile water-soluble liquid aldehyde C2H4O used chiefly in organic synthesis
Examples of acetaldehyde in a Sentence
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Ethanol or acetaldehyde sensitivity In people with alcohol intolerance, the body lacks the enzyme ALDH2 needed to break down acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism.
—
Lauryn Higgins, Time, 22 July 2025
Alcohol and its byproduct acetaldehyde are both classified as Group 1 carcinogens by the World Health Organization (WHO).
—Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Once in the body, alcohol breaks down into acetaldehyde — a carcinogen also found in tobacco smoke.
—Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 22 May 2025
This produces acetaldehyde, which gives the wine a kind of saltiness and aromas of almonds.
—Per and Britt Karlsson, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
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Lauryn Higgins, Time, 22 July 2025
Alcohol and its byproduct acetaldehyde are both classified as Group 1 carcinogens by the World Health Organization (WHO).
—Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Once in the body, alcohol breaks down into acetaldehyde — a carcinogen also found in tobacco smoke.
—Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 22 May 2025
This produces acetaldehyde, which gives the wine a kind of saltiness and aromas of almonds.
—Per and Britt Karlsson, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for acetaldehyde
Cite this Entry
“Acetaldehyde.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acetaldehyde. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
acetaldehyde
noun
ac·et·al·de·hyde
ˌas-ə-ˈtal-də-ˌhīd
: a colorless volatile water-soluble liquid aldehyde C2H4O used chiefly in organic synthesis that can cause irritation to mucous membranes
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