Paraformaldehyde

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  paraformaldehyde \par`a*form*al"de*hyde\, n. [Pref. para- +
     formaldehyde.] (Chem.)
     A polymer of formaldehyde obtained as a white crystalline
     substance by concentration of a formaldehyde solution.
     Formula {(CH20)n}. It dissolves in hot water with the release
     of formaldehyde, and is used as a disinfectant.


     [1913 Webster +PJC]