oxide

noun

ox·​ide ˈäk-ˌsīd How to pronounce oxide (audio)
: a binary compound of oxygen with a more electropositive element or group
oxidic
äk-ˈsi-dik How to pronounce oxide (audio)
adjective

Examples of oxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The airline industry remains one of the world’s largest transportation contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, and is responsible for releasing toxic amounts of carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, and contrails into the atmosphere every year. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 8 July 2026 First, Altilium uses its proprietary EcoAnode technology to salvage up to 99% of the graphite and niobium tungsten oxide (NWO) from scrap and dead batteries. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 July 2026 The process also completely removed sulfur compounds, preventing emissions of sulfur oxides that contribute to acid rain and air pollution. — New Atlas, 1 July 2026 Nail technicians in salons across the continent need to dispose of polishes containing trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide, or TPO, and switch to alternatives. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for oxide

Word History

Etymology

French oxide, oxyde, from ox- (from oxygène oxygen) + -ide (from acide acid)

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oxide was in 1788

Phrases Containing oxide

Rhymes for oxide

See All Rhymes for oxide

Browse Nearby Words

oxidative phosphorylation
oxide
oxide blue
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Cite this Entry

“Oxide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oxide. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

oxide

noun
ox·​ide ˈäk-ˌsīd How to pronounce oxide (audio)
: a compound of oxygen with another element or a chemical group

Medical Definition

oxide

noun
ox·​ide ˈäk-ˌsīd How to pronounce oxide (audio)
: a binary compound of oxygen with a more electropositive element or chemical group

More from Merriam-Webster on oxide

Nglish: Translation of oxide for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oxide

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