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paraformaldehyde

[par-uh-fawr-mal-duh-hahyd, -fer-]
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noun Chemistry.
  1. a white, crystalline polymer of formaldehyde, (HCOH)n, from which it is obtained by evaporation of the aqueous solution: used chiefly as an antiseptic.
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Origin of paraformaldehyde

First recorded in 1930–35; para-1 + formaldehyde
Also called par·a·form [par-uh-fawrm] /ˈpær əˌfɔrm/.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for paraform

Historical Examples

  • It can be obtained in paraform tabloids, and with a specially constructed spirit lamp disinfection can be carried out by any one.

    Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 5

    Various

British Dictionary definitions for paraform

paraformaldehyde

paraform

noun
  1. a white amorphous solid polymeric form of formaldehyde: used as a convenient source of formaldehyde and as a fumigant. Formula: (CH 2 O) n, where n lies between 6 and 50
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012