aldehyde

noun

al·​de·​hyde ˈal-də-ˌhīd 

: acetaldehyde

broadly : any of a class of highly reactive organic compounds that are analogous to acetaldehyde and characterized by a carbonyl group attached to a hydrogen atom

aldehydic

ˌal-də-ˈhī-dik 

adjective

Examples of aldehyde in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

If a carboxyl group replaced the aldehyde, however, feathers turned yellow. —Elizabeth Pennisi, science.org, 31 Oct. 2024

In red feathers, these chains of carbon atoms ended with an organic compound called aldehyde. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Nov. 2024

Though the powdery floral, ideated around notes of neroli, May rose, aldehydes, and bourbon vanilla, has been in high demand since its 1921 launch, Chanel continues to find ways to give this classic scent new life. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2024

Related Articles Retrospect is nuanced; there are notes of bergamot, pear, jasmine, and musk, plus aldehydes that are inherent to classic perfumes like Chanel No. 5. —Claire Sullivan, WWD, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

German Aldehyd, from New Latin al. dehyd., abbreviation of alcohol dehydrogenatum dehydrogenated alcohol

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

aldehyde

noun

al·​de·​hyde ˈal-də-ˌhīd 

: acetaldehyde

broadly : any of various highly reactive compounds typified by acetaldehyde and characterized by the group CHO

aldehydic

ˌal-də-ˈhīd-ik 

adjective