formalin

American  

[fawr-muh-lin] / ˈfɔr mə lɪn /

noun

Chemistry.

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

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formalin British  

/ ˈfɔːməlɪn, 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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Etymology

Origin of formalin

First recorded in 1890–95; formerly a trademark

Example Sentences

For example, mammals and reptiles were often treated with formalin before being stored in ethanol.

From Science Daily • Mar. 5, 2026

This was a challenge because the specimen had been preserved for too long in formalin, which destroys genetic material.

From Science Magazine • Sep. 21, 2023

The virus was grown in cells, and inactivated with formalin to make the “dead” virus stimulate an immune response without causing illness.

From Scientific American • Dec. 19, 2022

Brains fixed in formalin have a rubbery texture; fresh brains arrive packed in ice and feel like ripe brie.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 3, 2019

Horace thought of her now, gray and washed, the needles in her throat and the rubber formalin tubes hanging down from the ceiling.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck