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

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

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