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.
Energy Fuels has now started construction on an expansion that will add commercial production of heavy rare earth oxides, including terbium and dysprosium, by the end of 2027. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 31 July 2026 These minerals include aluminium oxide, iron, magnesium silicate, manganese sulfide, potassium chloride, sodium sulfide and zinc sulfide. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 13 July 2026 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 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 5 Aug. 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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