formalin

[fawr-muh-lin]

noun Chemistry.

a clear, colorless, aqueous solution of 40 percent formaldehyde.

Origin of formalin

First recorded in 1890–95; formerly a trademark

Also called formol.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for formalin

Historical Examples of formalin

Formalin is one of the best and safest general disinfectants to use.
A Handbook of Health
Woods Hutchinson
All bags and utensils should also be disinfected with this formalin solution.
Ontario Teachers' Manuals: Nature Study
Ontario Ministry of Education
Formalin may be used in place of alum for hardening the gelatine.
The Barnet Book of Photography
Various
In the museum all specimens should be removed at once from formalin to alcohol.
A Guide to the Study of Fishes, Volume 1 (of 2)
David Starr Jordan
Fishes intended for skeletons should never be placed in formalin.
A Guide to the Study of Fishes, Volume 1 (of 2)
David Starr Jordan

British Dictionary definitions for formalin

formalin

formol (ˈfɔːmɒl)

noun

a 40 per cent solution of formaldehyde in water, used as a disinfectant, preservative for biological specimens, etc

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

formalin in Medicine

formalin

[fôr′mə-lĭn]

An aqueous solution of formaldehyde that is 37 percent by weight.