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
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Research has found strong associations between exposure to air pollutants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, indoor toxins like formaldehyde and higher cancer risk — particularly for lung, breast, prostate, and even melanoma.
—
Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
Farmers or middlemen also frequently adulterated milk, watering it down to stretch supplies—with impure water likely to introduce further pathogens—or adding toxic substances, like formaldehyde or chalk, meant to conceal spoilage or make milk appear whiter.
— Made By History, Time, 29 Apr. 2025
Some substances released when plastics and other materials are burnt may increase the risk of certain cancers when inhaled—such as benzene or formaldehyde.
—Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
Many of the latter can be harmful, from formaldehyde and heavy metals to endocrine disruptors like phthalates.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 10 May 2025
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Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
Farmers or middlemen also frequently adulterated milk, watering it down to stretch supplies—with impure water likely to introduce further pathogens—or adding toxic substances, like formaldehyde or chalk, meant to conceal spoilage or make milk appear whiter.
— Made By History, Time, 29 Apr. 2025
Some substances released when plastics and other materials are burnt may increase the risk of certain cancers when inhaled—such as benzene or formaldehyde.
—Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
Many of the latter can be harmful, from formaldehyde and heavy metals to endocrine disruptors like phthalates.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 10 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 2 Jun. 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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