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.
To find out which explanation fits, Boschini and his colleagues used a laser to temporarily disrupt superconductivity in a copper-oxide crystal while the material remained relatively cold. — Sven Badoux, New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026 This movement caused tiny praseodymium oxide nanoparticles to sprout across the surface on their own. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026 For comparison, Lynas Rare Earths produced around 12,000 tonnes of rare-earth oxide in its most recent fiscal year. — Glenn Zorpette, IEEE Spectrum, 15 Oct. 2026 Bloodstone is a deep iron-oxide red that WGSN expects brands to keep using through 2029. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oxide

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