superoxide

[ soo-per-ok-sahyd, -sid ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a compound containing the univalent ion O 2 − .
2. peroxide ( def 1a, 1b ).

superoxide

/ ˌsuːpərˈɒksaɪd /

noun

1. any of certain metal oxides that contain the O 2 ^–ion

   potassium superoxide, KO2

Word History and Origins

Origin of superoxide¹

First recorded in 1840–50; super- + oxide

Example Sentences

As a highly reactive compound, superoxide only lasts in the water for seconds.

From Science Daily

They also raised the operating temperature of the battery to 150°C. That combination, instead of producing the Li2O2 and superoxide, produces Li2O, a stable compound that doesn’t rip through the electrolyte or anything else.

From Science Magazine

A lithium–oxygen battery based on lithium superoxide.

From Nature

The molecular era of discovery in ALS began with the identification of dominant mutations in the gene SOD1, which encodes an abundant, ubiquitously expressed cytoplasmic enzyme called Cu–Zn superoxide dismutase2.

From Nature

Even therapeutic doses, especially if they are repeated, cause depletion of glutathione family enzymes, superoxide dismutase in particular.

From New York Times