noun
aldehyde
AL-dih-hyde
Aldehyde (noun) means an aldehyde is any of a group of reactive organic compounds with a carbonyl group attached to a hydrocarbon group and a hydrogen atom. Example: “Formaldehyde is the simplest aldehyde and is widely used in industry.”
noun
1
organic chemistry An aldehyde is any of a group of reactive organic compounds with a carbonyl group attached to a hydrocarbon group and a hydrogen atom.
"Formaldehyde is the simplest aldehyde and is widely used in industry."
"The chemist identified the unknown compound as an aldehyde from its structure."
"Acetaldehyde and benzaldehyde are both common examples of an aldehyde."
How to use aldehyde
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn aldehyde is a type of reactive chemical compound found in substances like formaldehyde.
When to use it
It is a specialist chemistry term, rarely used outside scientific writing.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
aldehyde group
simple aldehyde
aldehyde compound
detect an aldehyde
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like aldehyde.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Formaldehyde is the simplest _____ and is widely used in industry.
Etymology
The word was borrowed from German Aldehyd, itself formed by contracting the Latin phrase al(cohol) dehyd(rogenatum), meaning dehydrogenated alcohol.
Rhymes for aldehyde
See all rhymes for aldehyde →Frequently asked questions
What is an aldehyde?
It is any of a class of reactive organic compounds carrying a carbonyl group attached to a hydrocarbon group and a hydrogen atom.
What are examples of an aldehyde?
Formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and benzaldehyde are all examples of aldehydes.
Where does the word aldehyde come from?
It comes from German Aldehyd, a contraction of the Latin for "dehydrogenated alcohol".
What is the meaning of aldehyde?
"aldehyde" (noun) means an aldehyde is any of a group of reactive organic compounds with a carbonyl group attached to a hydrocarbon group and a hydrogen atom.
