Definition

A colorless gas that has a strong smell and is used in making various products, including resins, fertilizers, and as a disinfectant and preservative.

Example

Formaldehyde is often used in laboratories for preserving biological specimens.

Conversation

I read that formaldehyde is used in a lot of household products.

Really? I didn't know that, what kinds of products?

Things like disinfectants and even some beauty products contain formaldehyde.

That's kind of surprising; I guess we should check labels more often.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Formaldehyde is formed from "form" (from Latin *formica*, meaning shape or appearance) and "aldehyde" (from the Latin *alcohol dehydrogenatum*, meaning a compound derived from alcohol). The word refers to a compound that is a gas at room temperature and is used in various applications, particularly in preserving biological specimens and in the production of resins.

Memory Tip

Think of 'form' as relating to shape and 'aldehyde' as a compound derived from alcohol, which helps you remember that formaldehyde is a chemical compound used in various forms.

Visually Confused Words