oxy-

1

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

Origin of oxy-

1
<Greek, combining form of oxýs sharp, keen, acid

Words Nearby oxy-

Other definitions for oxy- (2 of 2)

oxy-2

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use oxy- in a sentence

  • He fitted one varium-protected oxy-tank to his helmet and tucked another one under his arm for Captain DeCastros.

    The Marooner | Charles A. Stearns
  • The oxy-hydrogen jet of the welding machine the dwarfs were hoisting would make short work of their final defense.

    The Great Dome on Mercury | Arthur Leo Zagat
  • Undoubtedly the work of experts, and they must have used an oxy-acteylene blowpipe flame to cut through that door.

  • Mechanically his hand touched the valve of his oxy-acetylene torch.

    White Fire | Roy J. Snell
  • The oxy-hydrogen flame develops a heat far below that of oxy-acetylene, namely 4500 Fahrenheit.

British Dictionary definitions for oxy- (1 of 2)

oxy-1

combining form
  1. denoting something sharp; acute: oxytone

Origin of oxy-

1
from Greek, from oxus

British Dictionary definitions for oxy- (2 of 2)

oxy-2

combining form
  1. containing or using oxygen: oxyacetylene

  2. a former equivalent of hydroxy-

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012