paraformaldehyde

noun

para·​for·​mal·​de·​hyde ˌper-ə-fȯr-ˈmal-də-ˌhīd 

-fər-, 

ˌpa-rə-

: a white powder (CH₂O)_x that consists of a polymer of formaldehyde and is used especially as a disinfectant

Examples of paraformaldehyde in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The scientist is accused of adding chemicals — thought to be paraformaldehyde, chloroform and Trizol, all regularly found in science labs — to a co-worker's personal belongings, including his water bottle, according to a press release from the university citing a criminal complaint. —Adam England, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for paraformaldehyde

• aminoglycoside
• chlordiazepoxide
• dimethylformamide
• oligosaccharide
• polynucleotide
• ribonucleotide
• abide
• allied
• applied
• aside
• astride
• azide

Medical Definition

paraformaldehyde

noun

para·​form·​al·​de·​hyde ˌpar-ə-fȯr-ˈmal-də-ˌhīd, -fər- 

: a white powder (CH₂O)_x that consists of a polymer of formaldehyde and is used especially as a fungicide