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
Everything from polyurethane foams with formaldehyde and TCEP (a flame retardant) to phthalates can end up in nonorganic mattresses, off-gassing into your home.
—
Scott Gilbertson, Wired News, 16 June 2025
Recent research says that biofuel refiners also emit significant amounts of carcinogenic and dangerous substances, including hexane and formaldehyde, in greater amounts than petroleum refineries.
—ArsTechnica, 14 June 2025
Some have shea butter, others are packed with formaldehyde releasers and other harmful chemicals, explained Elissia Franklin, an analytical chemist at Silent Spring, in a press statement.
—Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 9 May 2025
The European Union banned formaldehyde as a cosmetic ingredient in 2009, and any cosmetic product containing a formaldehyde-releasing preservative above a miniscule concentration must include a warning.
—Ronnie Cohen, NPR, 8 May 2025
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Scott Gilbertson, Wired News, 16 June 2025
Recent research says that biofuel refiners also emit significant amounts of carcinogenic and dangerous substances, including hexane and formaldehyde, in greater amounts than petroleum refineries.
—ArsTechnica, 14 June 2025
Some have shea butter, others are packed with formaldehyde releasers and other harmful chemicals, explained Elissia Franklin, an analytical chemist at Silent Spring, in a press statement.
—Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 9 May 2025
The European Union banned formaldehyde as a cosmetic ingredient in 2009, and any cosmetic product containing a formaldehyde-releasing preservative above a miniscule concentration must include a warning.
—Ronnie Cohen, NPR, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for formaldehyde
Cite this Entry
“Formaldehyde.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formaldehyde. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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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