oxide

noun

ox·​ide ˈäk-ˌsīd How to pronounce oxide (audio)
: a binary compound of oxygen with a more electropositive element or group
oxidic 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.
Inside the cell, the coal particles are directly oxidized through an oxide membrane, producing an electrochemical reaction that generates electricity on the spot. Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 26 Apr. 2026 The Unexpected Red Theory comes into play with the Ferm Living Classic Haze wall cabinet in oxide red. Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 24 Apr. 2026 The process begins by separating a couple of small silicon chips from a larger sheet, then coating them with a layer of oxide in a high-temperature furnace. Jon Martindale, PC Magazine, 23 Apr. 2026 The process typically starts with the conversion of uranium oxide into stable gaseous uranium hexafluoride, or UF6, followed by a centrifuge technique that separates the three isotopes by mass. Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 23 Apr. 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

Cite this Entry

“Oxide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oxide. Accessed 3 May. 2026.

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

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