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

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.
Even silver and copper—from the same column of the periodic table—form weak oxides. Chris Lee, ArsTechnica, 9 June 2026 To remove hard water stains in toilet bowls and sinks, look for products that contain acids and oxides that will remove the mineral buildup. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 23 June 2026 Over time, deep-sea minerals, such as ferromanganese oxide, form crusts on the bones and preserve them as fossils, Song said. Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 12 June 2026 The process also completely removed sulfur compounds, preventing emissions of sulfur oxides that contribute to acid rain and air pollution. New Atlas, 1 July 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 7 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on oxide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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