Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 Formyl · For·myl · IPA /ˈfɔː(ɹ)mɪl/ 01 n. A univalent radical, H.C:O, regarded as the essential residue of formic acid and aldehyde. 1. A univalent radical, H.C:O, regarded as the essential residue of formic acid and aldehyde.(Chem.)