a colorless, soluble, flammable, liquid aldehyde, CHCHO, formed by the oxidation of ethylene: used as a solvent and as a raw material in making many organic compounds
Origin:
contr. < acetic aldehyde
See acetaldehyde in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
A colorless, flammable liquid, C2H4O, used to manufacture acetic acid, perfumes, and drugs. Also called aldehyde.