Word Study
formaldehyde
CIDE DICTIONARY
formaldehyde, n. [Formic + aldehyde.].
A colorless, volatile liquid, H2CO , resembling acetic or ethyl aldehyde, and chemically intermediate between methyl alcohol and formic acid. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
formaldehyde, n. a colourless pungent gas used as a disinfectant and preservative and in the manufacture of synthetic resins.
Usage
Chem. formula: CH2O. Also called METHANAL.
Etymology
FORMIC (ACID) + ALDEHYDE
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