formic acid

formic acid Word Origin noun Chemistry, Pharmacology.

1. a colorless, irritating, fuming, water-soluble liquid, CH2O2, originally obtained from ants and now manufactured synthetically, used in dyeing and tanning and in medicine chiefly as a counterirritant and astringent.

Origin of formic acid First recorded in 1785–95 British Dictionary definitions for formic acid formic acid noun

1. 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: HCOOHSystematic name: methanoic acid

formic acid in Medicine formic acid [fôr′mĭk] n.

1. A colorless caustic fuming liquid used in dyeing and finishing textiles and paper and in the manufacture of fumigants, insecticides, and refrigerants.

formic acid in Science formic acid [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: CH2O2.