oxygen

noun, often attributive

ox·y·gen | \ ˈäk-si-jən

Definition of oxygen

1 : a chemical element 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 — see Chemical Elements Table

2 : something that sustains or fuels disagreement is the true oxygen of these magazines— Joseph Epstein

Other Words from oxygen More Example Sentences Learn More about oxygen

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Examples of oxygen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Other contributing factors may include the side effects of high-dose steroids, low oxygen levels or the emotional trauma of being severely ill. — USA Today, "Beating the coronavirus didn’t spare him from possible ‘COVID psychosis.' His wife warns it’s not as rare as people think.," 6 May 2021 Her head lolls forward, oxygen levels perilously low. — Reuters, ABC News, "In hospitals during India’s COVID-19 crisis, doctors must choose ‘who to be saved’," 5 May 2021 The injectors will run each year during the hottest months of the year from June through September, when oxygen levels in the river tend to be lowest. — Russ Bynum, Star Tribune, "Agency: Oxygen injectors pass 2nd test in Georgia harbor," 4 May 2021 The injectors will run each year during the hottest months of the year from June through September, when oxygen levels in the river tend to be lowest. — Russ Bynum, ajc, "Agency: Oxygen injectors pass 2nd test in Georgia harbor," 4 May 2021 These sensors beam infrared light through the skin to perform the readings, in a fashion similar to the Apple Watch’s existing sensors that measure heart rate and blood oxygen levels. — Chris Smith, BGR, "Leak may spoil exciting new features coming to Apple Watch Series 7," 3 May 2021 The Apple Watch 6 currently can read blood oxygen levels, check your heart rhythm, and heart rate. — Mike Snider, USA TODAY, "Apple reportedly looking at blood sugar, blood pressure and alcohol monitoring for future Apple Watches," 3 May 2021 Another sleep study, where your oxygen levels are monitored overnight, would be necessary to tell for sure. — Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, "Dear Doctor: Is there anything other than surgery for this terrible pain?," 28 Apr. 2021 Temperature, pressure, and oxygen levels must all be within the right levels. — Gabriel A. Silva, Forbes, "Going To The Moon And Mars: How Will Astronauts’ Brains Be Affected?," 27 Apr. 2021

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.

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Dictionary Entries near oxygen

oxygen-acetylene cutting

oxygen-acetylene welding

oxygenate

Statistics for oxygen

Last Updated

9 May 2021

Cite this Entry

“Oxygen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oxygen. Accessed 16 May. 2021.

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More Definitions for oxygen

oxygen

noun

English Language Learners Definition of oxygen

: a chemical that is found in the air, that has no color, taste, or smell, and that is necessary for life

See the full definition for oxygen in the English Language Learners Dictionary

oxygen

noun

ox·y·gen | \ ˈäk-si-jən

Kids Definition of oxygen

: a chemical element found in the air as a colorless odorless tasteless gas that is necessary for life

oxygen

noun

ox·y·gen | \ ˈäk-si-jən

Medical 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 Chemical Elements Table