oxide

noun

ox·​ide ˈäk-ˌsīd How to pronounce oxide (audio)
: a binary compound of oxygen with a more electropositive element or group
oxidic adjective

Examples of oxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web To-date, every hole drilled at California has intersected near surface, oxidized gold mineralization with minor copper oxides. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Mar. 2024 Operating as the electrolyte in an all-solid-state cell configuration alongside a lithium cobalt oxide cathode and lithium metal anode, the new material has better energy density, power density, and cycle life compared with traditional liquid electrolytes. IEEE Spectrum, 15 Feb. 2024 The intense heat then melts down the mud, which separates into liquid metal oxides. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 7 Feb. 2024 Some containing chromium among other constituents, such as nickel and molybdenum, are more corrosion-resistant than others, forming an impervious and protective molecular-scale surface barrier of chromium oxide. Carlton Reid, WIRED, 16 Feb. 2024 Once the chromium oxide barrier is breached, corrosion takes hold. Carlton Reid, WIRED, 16 Feb. 2024 Meanwhile, the furnace heat largely neutralizes any other leftover oxides’ corrosiveness, including heavy metals like chromium. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 7 Feb. 2024 Nitrogen oxides aggravate respiratory conditions, particularly asthma, and can contribute to asthma attacks in children. Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 10 Jan. 2024 But the main attenuator of all the nasty oxides and other chemical compounds that come from combustion is the catalytic converter. Robin Warner, Ars Technica, 5 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'oxide.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French oxide, oxyde, from ox- (from oxygène oxygen) + -ide (from acide acid)

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oxide was in 1788

Dictionary Entries Near oxide

Cite this Entry

“Oxide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oxide. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

oxide

noun
ox·​ide ˈäk-ˌsīd How to pronounce oxide (audio)
: a compound of oxygen with another element or a chemical group

Medical Definition

oxide

noun
ox·​ide ˈäk-ˌsīd How to pronounce oxide (audio)
: a binary compound of oxygen with a more electropositive element or chemical group

More from Merriam-Webster on oxide

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