: a binary compound of oxygen with a more electropositive element or group

Examples of oxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Targeting a critical processing gap Rare earth separation involves converting mixed material into individual oxides used across advanced manufacturing and other strategic industries. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026 Additionally, the metal has a non reactive layer of chromium oxide that further inhibits the strong chemical bond necessary for an actual seasoning to develop. — Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Sep. 2026 Chromium in the alloy reacts at the surface to form an extremely thin, protective oxide film, primarily composed of chromium oxide. — New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026 Nearly all our tools to prevent this—paints, polymer films, or oxide layers—are built around this idea. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 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 25 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

: a compound of oxygen with another element or a chemical group

Medical Definition

: a binary compound of oxygen with a more electropositive element or chemical group

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