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.
In contrast, other oxides rose over time, suggesting that the newly arriving material has a distinct chemical composition. — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 9 Oct. 2026 Scandium’s role in aerospace and advanced technology Rare earth separation involves converting mixed material into individual oxides used across advanced manufacturing and other strategic industries. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026 Researchers in the Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois have created a zirconium oxide (ZrO₂) nanocomposite textile material that combines passive cooling and biomechanical energy harvesting. — New Atlas, 27 Sep. 2026 For zero-emissions cruising, the vessel can get its juice from seven 75 kW solid-oxide fuel cells, or nine 250 kW PEM fuel cells paired with a methanol reformer. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 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

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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 14 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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