oxide

American  

[ok-sahyd, -sid] / ˈɒk saɪd, -sɪd /

Also oxid

noun

Chemistry.

1. a compound in which oxygen is bonded to one or more electropositive atoms.

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oxide British  

/ ˈɒksaɪd /

noun

1. any compound of oxygen with another element

2. any organic compound in which an oxygen atom is bound to two alkyl or aryl groups; an ether or epoxide

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oxide Scientific  

/ ŏk′sīd′ /

1. A compound of oxygen and another element or radical. Water (H ₂ O) is an oxide.

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Other Word Forms

• oxidic adjective

Etymology

Origin of oxide

First recorded in 1780–90; from French (now oxyde ), blend of ox(ygène) oxygen and (ac)ide acid

Example Sentences

Take quicklime, otherwise known as calcium oxide, and just add water.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

However the increase in concentrations of heat-trapping greenhouse gases -- carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide -- "to their highest level in at least 800,000 years" has "upset this equilibrium", the WMO said.

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

“EPA’s 2024 rule was an important and overdue step to reduce toxic ethylene oxide pollution and protect communities,” said Irena Como, senior attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center, in a statement Friday.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

When nitric oxide signaling was reduced, the modification of TSC2 no longer occurred.

From Science Daily • Mar. 7, 2026

Even worse, burning coal produces air pollutants, including sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, that are real threats to human health.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland