: a colorless pungent fuming vesicant liquid acid CH2O2 found especially in ants and in many plants and used chiefly in dyeing and finishing textiles
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The scientists experimented with formic acid, a molecule that ants generate as venom against predators.
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IEEE Spectrum, 3 Jan. 2024
The team also found simple molecules of formic acid, which causes the burning sensation associated with ant stings, as well as sulfur dioxide, methane and formaldehyde.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 15 Mar. 2024
The trees provide nectar and shelter for native ants, and to return the favor, these ants protect them from animals looking to take a bite to eat; whenever herbivores try to eat from the tree, the ants start biting and emitting formic acid to stave them off.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 25 Jan. 2024
Moreover, formic acid is liquid at room temperature and pressure, simplifying its transportation when compared to hydrogen gas, Cortés adds.
—IEEE Spectrum, 3 Jan. 2024
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IEEE Spectrum, 3 Jan. 2024
The team also found simple molecules of formic acid, which causes the burning sensation associated with ant stings, as well as sulfur dioxide, methane and formaldehyde.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 15 Mar. 2024
The trees provide nectar and shelter for native ants, and to return the favor, these ants protect them from animals looking to take a bite to eat; whenever herbivores try to eat from the tree, the ants start biting and emitting formic acid to stave them off.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 25 Jan. 2024
Moreover, formic acid is liquid at room temperature and pressure, simplifying its transportation when compared to hydrogen gas, Cortés adds.
—IEEE Spectrum, 3 Jan. 2024
See all Example Sentences for formic acid
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“Formic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formic%20acid. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
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formic acid
noun
for·mic acid
ˌfȯr-mik- 
: a colorless strong-smelling acid that irritates the skin, is found in insects (as ants) and in many plants, and is used chiefly in dyeing and finishing woven fabrics
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