formic acid

noun

for·​mic acid ˈfȯr-mik- How to pronounce formic acid (audio)
: a colorless pungent fuming vesicant liquid acid CH2O2 found especially in ants and in many plants and used chiefly in dyeing and finishing textiles

Examples of formic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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However, methanol becomes formaldehyde—a cancer-causing chemical used in industrial glues and embalming corpses—and formate, or formic acid, which is a strong and toxic acid. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024 The heat from cooking has the same effect on the starch as the formic acid. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 21 Nov. 2024 The scientists experimented with formic acid, a molecule that ants generate as venom against predators. IEEE Spectrum, 3 Jan. 2024 The team also found simple molecules of formic acid, which causes the burning sensation associated with ant stings, as well as sulfur dioxide, methane and formaldehyde. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 15 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for formic acid 

Word History

Etymology

irregular from Latin formica ant — more at pismire

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of formic acid was in 1790

Dictionary Entries Near formic acid

Cite this Entry

“Formic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formic%20acid. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

formic acid

noun
for·​mic acid ˌfȯr-mik- How to pronounce formic acid (audio)
: a colorless strong-smelling acid that irritates the skin, is found in insects (as ants) and in many plants, and is used chiefly in dyeing and finishing woven fabrics

Medical Definition

formic acid

noun
: a colorless pungent fuming vesicant liquid acid CH2O2 found especially in ants and in many plants and used chiefly in dyeing and finishing textiles

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