formic acid

American  

noun

Chemistry, Pharmacology.

1. a colorless, irritating, fuming, water-soluble liquid, CH 2 O 2 , originally obtained from ants and now manufactured synthetically, used in dyeing and tanning and in medicine chiefly as a counterirritant and astringent.

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formic acid British  

noun

1. Systematic name: methanoic acid.  a colourless corrosive liquid carboxylic acid found in some insects, esp ants, and many plants: used in dyeing textiles and the manufacture of insecticides and refrigerants. Formula: HCOOH

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formic acid Scientific  

/ fôr′mĭk /

1. A colorless, caustic, fuming liquid that occurs naturally as the poison of ants and stinging nettles. It is used in making textiles and paper and in insecticides. Formic acid is the simplest organic acid, containing a carboxyl (COOH) group attached to a hydrogen atom. Chemical formula: CH ₂ O ₂ .

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Etymology

Origin of formic acid

First recorded in 1785–95

Example Sentences

Together, these components enable the direct conversion of carbon dioxide gas into formic acid.

From Science Daily • Jan. 29, 2026

To do this, they started with a genetically engineered "sick" cell, one that could only survive if it produced both the desired pigment, along with a second chemical called formic acid.

From Science Daily • Nov. 3, 2025

This metabolism creates toxic by-products called formaldehyde, formate and formic acid.

From BBC • Nov. 22, 2024

Carbon dioxide flowed into an electrochemical cell and was converted into formic acid, just like charging a battery.

From Science Daily • Feb. 8, 2024

Do not stand over the solution while mixing as the fumes of the formic acid affect the eyes.

From Home Taxidermy for Pleasure and Profit A Guide for Those Who Wish to Prepare and Mount Animals, Birds, Fish, Reptiles, etc., for Home, Den, or Office Decoration by Farnham, Albert B.