formic acid

== English == === Pronunciation === === Noun === formic acid (uncountable) (organic chemistry) The simplest carboxylic acid, HCOOH, a colourless, corrosive liquid with a sharp odour systematically known as methanoic acid; 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 (Systematic name) ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ====