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Definition of oxygen
1 : a reactive element that is found in water, in most rocks and minerals, in numerous organic compounds, and as a colorless tasteless odorless diatomic gas constituting 21 percent of the atmosphere, that is capable of combining with all elements except the inert gases, that is active in physiological processes, and that is involved especially in combustion — see element table
2 : something that sustains or fuels disagreement is the true oxygen of these magazines — Joseph Epstein
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Recent Examples of oxygen from the Web
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The white, paste-like sludge that spilled is a normal byproduct of in-situ uranium mining, in which water mixed with oxygen and baking soda dissolves uranium out of underground sandstone deposits.
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The white, paste-like sludge that spilled is a normal byproduct of in-situ uranium mining, in which water mixed with oxygen and baking soda dissolves uranium out of underground sandstone deposits.
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At the same time, blood is attempting to rush through the arteries, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the working muscles.
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The ozone layer—a high-altitude expanse of oxygen molecules that protects us from the sun’s ultraviolet rays—has been on the mend for the past decade or so.
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Blood oxygen levels fall and the brain awakens the person, who then snorts or gasps for air and then resumes snoring.
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Then oxygen, glucose and other nutrients could diffuse through its tiny pores, allowing cells inside to thrive and function.
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When Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, new models had to be hastily designed, manufactured, and delivered, with some suffering from faulty machine guns, oxygen problems, and other defects.
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A medical examiner ruled that Hernandez died of lack of oxygen to the brain caused by strangulation and chest compression.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'oxygen'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of oxygen
French oxygène, from Greek oxys, adjective, acidic, literally, sharp + French -gène -gen; akin to Latin acer sharp — more at edge
OXYGEN Defined for English Language Learners
oxygen
playDefinition of oxygen for English Language Learners
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: a chemical that is found in the air, that has no color, taste, or smell, and that is necessary for life
OXYGEN Defined for Kids
oxygen
playDefinition of oxygen for Students
: a chemical element found in the air as a colorless odorless tasteless gas that is necessary for life
History for oxygen
People once thought that all acids were formed by adding oxygen to some other substance. This belief turned out not to be true. However, it did give oxygen its name. The first part of the word, oxy-, came from Greek oxys, meaning “acid” or “sharp.” The second part, -gen, came from a Greek element meaning “producing” or “giving rise to.”
Medical Dictionary
oxygen
playMedical Definition of oxygen
: a colorless tasteless odorless gaseous element that constitutes 21 percent of the atmosphere and is found in water, in most rocks and minerals, and in numerous organic compounds, that is capable of combining with all elements except the inert gases, that is active in physiological processes, and that is involved especially in combustion processes—symbol O; see element table
Learn More about oxygen
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Spanish Central: Translation of oxygen Nglish: Translation of oxygen for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of oxygen for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oxygen
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