aldehyde
/ˈældəˌhaɪd/
noun
- A type of chemical compound that contains a carbon atom bonded to a hydrogen atom and double-bonded to an oxygen atom. Aldehydes are often used in making plastics, dyes, and perfumes, and some are found naturally in plants and fruits.
- The sweet smell of vanilla comes partly from an aldehyde called vanillin.
- Some aldehydes are produced naturally when fruits ripen.
- Formaldehyde is a simple aldehyde used to preserve biological specimens.