adjective
formic
Relating to methanoic acid or its compounds.
The chemist adds formic acid to the sample before testing.
Etymology
Latin formica means ant. Formic acid received its name because it was obtained from ants, and the adjective extends to the acid and its compounds.
More examples
- Formic acid can irritate skin and eyes.
- The label lists formic acid as an ingredient.
- We store the formic acid solution in a sealed container.
Forms
formic
formate noun — A salt or ester of formic acid.
Similar words
- methanoic
- The systematic chemical term, chiefly used in “methanoic acid.”