English

Noun

formic acid ‎(uncountable)

1. (organic chemistry) The simplest carboxylic acid, HCOOH, a colourless, corrosive liquid with a sharp odour; it is present in the stings of ants, bees and nettles, and is prepared industrially by the oxidation of methanol or formaldehyde; it has some industrial uses, and its esters, the formates are used in perfumes.

Synonyms

• E236 when used as a food preservative
• methanoic acid

Translations