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formalin

[fawr-muh-lin]
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noun Chemistry.
  1. a clear, colorless, aqueous solution of 40 percent formaldehyde.
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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

  • 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.

  • In the museum all specimens should be removed at once from formalin to alcohol.

  • Fishes intended for skeletons should never be placed in formalin.

British Dictionary definitions for formalin

formalin

formol (ˈfɔːmɒl)

noun
  1. a 40 per cent solution of formaldehyde in water, used as a disinfectant, preservative for biological specimens, etc
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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
formalin in Medicine

formalin

(fôr′mə-lĭn)
n.
  1. An aqueous solution of formaldehyde that is 37 percent by weight.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.