oxygen
noun
ox·y·gen
ˈäk-si-jən
1
: a chemical element with atomic number 8 that constitutes 21 percent of the Earth's atmosphere, that is capable of combining with all elements except some noble gases, that is active in physiological processes of almost all known organisms, and that is involved especially in combustion
—often used before another noun
oxygen tanks
an oxygen mask
see Chemical Elements Table
2
: something that sustains or fuels
Disagreement is the true oxygen of these magazines …—Joseph Epstein
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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