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
But wildfire smoke also carries gases — volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde — that pass straight through HEPA.
—
Ryan Brennan
may 19, Kansas City Star, 19 May 2026
Embalming, the process of slowing down a body’s decomposition, involves known carcinogens like formaldehyde that get injected into veins to preserve the body for viewing and services.
—Dorany Pineda, Fortune, 2 May 2026
Embalming, the process of slowing down a body's decomposition, involves known carcinogens like formaldehyde that get injected into veins to preserve the body for viewing and services.
—ABC News, 1 May 2026
Conventional sheets, especially synthetic blends, may be treated with formaldehyde, flame retardants or wrinkle-resistant finishes that off-gas VOCs.
—Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formaldehyde
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Ryan Brennan
may 19, Kansas City Star, 19 May 2026
Embalming, the process of slowing down a body’s decomposition, involves known carcinogens like formaldehyde that get injected into veins to preserve the body for viewing and services.
—Dorany Pineda, Fortune, 2 May 2026
Embalming, the process of slowing down a body's decomposition, involves known carcinogens like formaldehyde that get injected into veins to preserve the body for viewing and services.
—ABC News, 1 May 2026
Conventional sheets, especially synthetic blends, may be treated with formaldehyde, flame retardants or wrinkle-resistant finishes that off-gas VOCs.
—Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formaldehyde
Cite this Entry
“Formaldehyde.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formaldehyde. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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