hydroxy

adjective

hy·​droxy hī-ˈdräk-sē 

: being or containing hydroxyl

especially : containing hydroxyl especially in place of hydrogen

—usually used in combination

hydroxyacetic acid

Examples of hydroxy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

They’re made with compounds that have scientific names like 7-OH, mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MGPI) and dihydro-7-hydroxy mitragynine (MGM-15) but are often sold on shelves with names like Dozo Perks, Roxy, and UltraOhmz Pseudo Supreme. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 6 Nov. 2026

So do moisturizers containing lactic acid and anti-aging products with alpha-hydroxy acids. — Ryan Brennan may 1, Sacbee.com, 1 May 2026

Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid, which gently sloughs away dead skin cells to reveal softer, smoother skin. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026

Lactic Acid While lactic and glycolic acids are both alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), lactic acid is better suited for dry and/or sensitive skin types. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 2 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from hydroxyl

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing hydroxy

• alpha hydroxy acid
• beta-hydroxy acid

Rhymes for hydroxy

• alkoxy
• deoxy
• epoxy
• ethoxy
• methoxy
• peroxy
• phenoxy
• boxy
• foxy
• oxy
• proxy
• dihydroxy

Medical Definition

hydroxy

adjective

hy·​droxy hī-ˈdräk-sē 

: being or containing hydroxyl

especially : containing hydroxyl in place of hydrogen

—often used in combination

hydroxybutyric acid