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
People Are Reading
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
First Known Use: 1788
OXYGEN Defined for English Language Learners
oxygen
playDefinition of oxygen for English Language Learners
-
: 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
-
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
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up oxygen? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!