superoxide

noun

su·​per·​ox·​ide ˌsü-pər-ˈäk-ˌsīd How to pronounce superoxide (audio)
: the monovalent anion O2 or a compound containing it
potassium superoxide KO2

Examples of superoxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But in many cases, intermediates in this reaction are the primary chemicals formed—either lithium superoxide (LiO2) or lithium peroxide (Li2O2). John Timmer, Ars Technica, 6 Feb. 2023 The body checks the concentrations of superoxide very well. Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 24 Nov. 2010 Prion-like propagation of mutant superoxide dismutase-1 misfolding in neuronal cells. Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 14 Feb. 2011

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'superoxide.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of superoxide was in 1807

Dictionary Entries Near superoxide

Cite this Entry

“Superoxide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superoxide. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

superoxide

noun
su·​per·​ox·​ide -ˈäk-ˌsīd How to pronounce superoxide (audio)
: any of various toxic oxygen-containing free radicals
especially : the monovalent anion O2 or a compound containing it
potassium superoxide KO2

More from Merriam-Webster on superoxide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!