formaldehyde
noun /fɔːˈmældɪhaɪd/
/fɔːrˈmældɪhaɪd/
[uncountable]- (symbol CH2O)a gas with a strong smell
- (also specialist formalin)a liquid made by mixing formaldehyde and water, used for preserving biological specimens, making plastics and as a disinfectant
- His most famous artistic offering consists of a dead shark floating in a tank of formaldehyde.
Word Originlate 19th cent.: blend of formic acid and aldehyde.