acetaldehyde

noun

ac·​et·​al·​de·​hyde ˌa-sə-ˈtal-də-ˌhīd How to pronounce acetaldehyde (audio)
: a colorless volatile water-soluble liquid aldehyde C2H4O used chiefly in organic synthesis

Examples of acetaldehyde in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An enzyme called aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is responsible for breaking down acetaldehyde. John Loeppky, Verywell Health, 13 Jan. 2025 This link is so strong that acetaldehyde has been classified as a carcinogen since 1999. Nikki Crowley, The Conversation, 10 Jan. 2025 First, alcohol breaks down into acetaldehyde in the body. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 4 Jan. 2025 Some of the chemicals in e-cigarettes — including acetaldehyde, acrolein and formaldehyde — can cause lung and heart disease. Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for acetaldehyde 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Acetaldehyd, from acet- acet- + Aldehyd aldehyde

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of acetaldehyde was in 1857

Dictionary Entries Near acetaldehyde

Cite this Entry

“Acetaldehyde.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acetaldehyde. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

Medical Definition

acetaldehyde

noun
ac·​et·​al·​de·​hyde ˌas-ə-ˈtal-də-ˌhīd How to pronounce acetaldehyde (audio)
: a colorless volatile water-soluble liquid aldehyde C2H4O used chiefly in organic synthesis that can cause irritation to mucous membranes

More from Merriam-Webster on acetaldehyde

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