oxy-

¹

1. a combining form meaning “sharp,” “acute,” “keen,” “pointed,” “acid,” used in the formation of compound words:

   oxycephalic; oxygen; oxymoron.

oxy-

²

1. a combining form representing oxygen in compound words, sometimes as an equivalent of hydroxy-: oxychloride.

oxy-

¹

combining_form

1. containing or using oxygen

   oxyacetylene

2. a former equivalent of hydroxy-

oxy-

²

combining_form

1. denoting something sharp; acute

   oxytone

Word History and Origins

Origin of oxy-¹

< Greek, combining form of oxýs sharp, keen, acid

Word History and Origins

Origin of oxy-¹

from Greek, from oxus