peroxide

[ puh-rok-sahyd ]

noun

1. Chemistry.
   1. hydrogen peroxide, H 2 O 2 or H–O–O–H.
   2. a compound containing the bivalent group –O 2 –, derived from hydrogen peroxide, as sodium peroxide, Na 2 O 2 , or dimethyl peroxide, C 3 H 6 O 2 .
   3. the oxide of an element that contains an unusually large amount of oxygen.

verb (used with object)

, per·ox·id·ed, per·ox·id·ing.

1. to use peroxide as a bleaching agent on (especially the hair).

peroxide

/ pəˈrɒksaɪd /

noun

1. short for hydrogen peroxide, esp when used for bleaching hair
2. any of a class of metallic oxides, such as sodium peroxide, Na 2 O 2 , that contain the divalent ion ^–O-O ^–
3. not in technical usage any of certain dioxides, such as manganese peroxide, MnO 2 , that resemble peroxides in their formula but do not contain the ^–O-O ^–ion
4. any of a class of organic compounds whose molecules contain two oxygen atoms bound together. They tend to be explosive
5. modifier of, relating to, bleached with, or resembling peroxide

verb

1. tr to bleach (the hair) with peroxide

peroxide

/ pə-rŏk′sīd′ /

1. A compound containing the group O 2 . Peroxides are strong oxidizers and are used as industrial bleaches. When any peroxide is combined with an acid, one of the products is hydrogen peroxide.
2. Hydrogen peroxide.

Other Words From

• per·ox·id·ic [pur-ok-, sid, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of peroxide¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; per- + oxide

Example Sentences

Researchers have achieved a breakthrough in improving the efficiency of an electrochemical reaction that produces hydrogen peroxide -- a vital chemical for industrial applications such as disinfection, bleaching, and sewage treatment.

From Science Daily

Once inside, prosecutors allege Love beat the boy with the wood and poured hydrogen peroxide on the wounds.

From Los Angeles Times

Moreover, this switch causes increased hydrogen peroxide levels which, in turn, cause further genetic damage and contributes to cancer progression.

From Science Daily

Tiny amounts of hydrogen peroxide are needed to trigger this reaction in the intestine.

From Science Daily

Ovation used hydrogen peroxide, rather than distilled water, during the incubation process and relied on “inexperienced, cheap, unqualified, and untrained employees to cut corners and maximize profits,” the suit says.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• lighten