Formaldehyde Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Health & Safety

• It's known to be a carcinogen, meaning long-time exposure can increase cancer risk.
• Regulations often limit its levels in building materials and household products to protect people's health.
• People can experience allergy-like symptoms if they are exposed to high concentrations or use products containing it.

Pop Culture

• Despite its chemical nature, formaldehyde has appeared in movies and literature as a symbol of preservation, often referencing the morbid side of science.
• It inspired a prominent song lyric in the 1960s regarding its unsettling association with death and decay.
• Its use in famous artworks and installations has raised discussions about ethics in modern art.

Science

• Formaldehyde is a key starting point in the production of numerous plastics, resins, and disinfectants used today.
• It plays an essential role in biochemistry, particularly in preserving tissue samples for medical research.
• When mixed with other compounds, it can create various useful chemicals, enhancing its versatility in industrial applications.

Historical Uses

• Historically, it was widely used in the embalming process, helping preserve bodies for funerals.
• In the early 20th century, it was introduced into building materials like pressed wood and insulation for fire-resistant qualities.
• Formaldehyde has been used in agriculture as a preservative for feed and a fumigant, showing its diverse applications.

Main points about word origin

• The name comes from 'form' which relates to formaldehyde's use in preserving biological forms.
• The 'aldehyde' part refers to a group of chemicals, hinting at its chemical structure and properties.
• It was first discovered in 1859 by German chemist August Wilhelm von Hofmann.

The word 'formaldehyde' is derived from the combination of 'form' (from 'formic acid', which is derived from the Latin word 'formica' meaning ant) and 'aldehyde' (which refers to a class of organic compounds containing a carbonyl group). The term was first used in the mid-19th century as chemists began to understand and categorize organic compounds. Formaldehyde was first synthesized in 1859 by the German chemist August Wilhelm von Hofmann. Its properties and uses became more prominent as industrial processes developed, especially in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when it started being used as a disinfectant and preservative and in the production of plastics and resins. Over time, formaldehyde became a key player in chemical synthesis and industrial applications, despite growing concerns about its health effects.

Ranked #12,143, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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