formaldehyde n a colourless poisonous irritating gas with a pungent characteristic odour, made by the oxidation of methanol and used as formalin and in the manufacture of synthetic resins. Formula: HCHO,
(Systematic name)
methanal (C19: form(ic) + aldehyde; on the model of German Formaldehyd)
urea-formaldehyde resin
n any one of a class of rigid odourless synthetic materials that are made from urea and formaldehyde and are used in electrical fittings, adhesives, laminates, and finishes for textiles