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.
Some colors emerged instantly, but others, such as blues and greens, developed later over the initial red or brown copper oxides. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026 Energy Fuels produces the terbium oxide at its White Mesa Mill in Utah. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 2026 Then, in 2005, Beijing abolished export tax rebates for rare earths and, in 2007, officially implemented a ten percent export tariff on all rare-earth ores, oxides, and compounds. — Gloria Xiong, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 Sustainability initiatives With the ship redo, Windstar added more energy efficient engines that reduce emissions of nitrous and sulfur oxides Advanced wastewater treatment systems were also installed. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 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 22 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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