Formaldehyde: meaning, definitions and examples
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formaldehyde
[ fɔːrˈmæl.ə.haɪd ]
chemical compound
Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling gas that is widely used in various industrial processes and as a preservative. It is an organic compound with the formula CH₂O and is known for its use in embalming, as well as in the manufacture of resins and polymers.
Synonyms
formic aldehyde, methanal
Examples of usage
- The laboratory uses formaldehyde to preserve biological specimens.
- Formaldehyde is commonly found in building materials and household products.
- The dentist used a formaldehyde solution for disinfecting dental tools.
Translations
Translations of the word "formaldehyde" in other languages:
🇵🇹 formaldeído
🇮🇳 फॉर्मल्डेहाइड
🇩🇪 Formaldehyd
🇮🇩 formaldehid
🇺🇦 формальдегід
🇵🇱 aldehyd formaldehydowy
🇯🇵 ホルムアルデヒド
🇫🇷 formaldéhyde
🇪🇸 formaldehído
🇹🇷 formaldehit
🇰🇷 포름알데히드
🇸🇦 فورمالدهيد
🇨🇿 formaldehyd
🇸🇰 formaldehyd
🇨🇳 甲醛
🇸🇮 formaldehid
🇮🇸 formaldehýð
🇰🇿 формальдегид
🇬🇪 ფორმალდეჰიდი
🇦🇿 formaldehid
🇲🇽 formaldehído
Etymology
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.