acetaldehyde

[as-i-tal-duh-hahyd]

noun Chemistry.

a volatile, colorless, water-soluble liquid, C2H4O, having a pungent, fruitlike odor: used chiefly in the silvering of mirrors and in organic synthesis.

Origin of acetaldehyde

First recorded in 1875–80; acet- + aldehyde

Also called ethanal.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for acetaldehyde

The substance investigated was acetaldehyde, C2H4O, in its relation to paraldehyde, a polymeric modification.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 14, Slice 8|Various
For this reason it is possible to determine the freezing point curves of acetaldehyde and paraldehyde.
The Phase Rule and Its Applications|Alexander Findlay
Acetaldehyde is not of much importance in itself, but is useful as a transition.
Creative Chemistry|Edwin E. Slosson
This is in harmony with the fact that the polymerisation of acetaldehyde is accompanied by evolution of heat.
The Phase Rule and Its Applications|Alexander Findlay

The decomposition of pyruvic acid into acetaldehyde and carbon dioxide has already been fully discussed (Chapter VI).
Alcoholic Fermentation|Arthur Harden

British Dictionary definitions for acetaldehyde

acetaldehyde

noun

a colourless volatile pungent liquid, miscible with water, used in the manufacture of organic compounds and as a solvent and reducing agent. Formula: CH 3 CHOSystematic name: ethanal

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

Medicine definitions for acetaldehyde

acetaldehyde

[ăs′ĭ-tăl′də-hīd′]

n.

A colorless, flammable liquid formed during ethanol metabolism and yeast fermentation of organic compounds and used to manufacture acetic acid and drugs.aldehyde ethaldehyde

Science definitions for acetaldehyde

acetaldehyde

[ăs′ĭ-tăl′də-hīd′]

A colorless, flammable liquid, used to manufacture acetic acid, perfumes, and drugs. Chemical formula: C2H4O.