peroxide

1 of 3

noun

per·​ox·​ide pə-ˈräk-ˌsīd How to pronounce peroxide (audio)
: a compound (such as hydrogen peroxide) in which oxygen is visualized as joined to oxygen
peroxidic adjective

peroxide

2 of 3

verb

peroxided; peroxiding

transitive verb

: to treat with a peroxide
especially : to bleach (hair) with hydrogen peroxide

peroxide

3 of 3

adjective

: having or being bleached hair
a peroxide blonde

Examples of peroxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Pens with higher concentrations of peroxide will require less gel per application, so a little tends to go a long way. Sophie Dodd, Peoplemag, 8 Sep. 2023 While the thick gel formula worked wonders in removing makeup, using it daily might strip our skin of moisture due to the presence of Benzoyl peroxide, which is better suited for younger skin with acne and breakouts. Sarah Bradley, Health, 8 Aug. 2023 The good news is mild acne can often be treated with OTC products, such as: Benzoyl peroxide: These substance is in cleansers, lotions, and creams, and works by killing Propionibacteria acnes, the bacteria responsible for acne breakouts. Angela Palmer Updated, Verywell Health, 5 July 2023 Whitening gels are normally made with either hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. Jaylyn Pruitt, Health, 22 June 2023 Ingredients The best whitening strips will be made with carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide, says Fatima Khan, dentist and co-founder at Riven Oral Care. Neha Tandon, womenshealthmag.com, 2 June 2023 Benzoyl peroxide is best known as an antiseptic acne-fighting ingredient,4 getting rid of the bacteria on your skin that causes pimples and breakouts. Sarah Bradley, Health, 8 Aug. 2023 The looks began with Jessica Wu’s graphic wing, paired with luminous skin and peroxide lengths, while Nicola Peltz Beckham’s kittenish flick was applied to elevate her tousled brunette and a touch of blush. Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2023 Avoid bleach by adding a quarter cup of vinegar, lemon juice or peroxide (choose one, do not combine them) to the pre-soak step for whitening and brightening then try vinegar in the rinse cycle to strip away remaining residues. Lorraine Wilde, Treehugger, 18 July 2023
Verb
Freshly peroxided, Mock headed to the skatepark later that day. Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2019
Adjective
Most teeth whitening pens use a peroxide formulation—either hydrogen or carbamide—to break down stains. Jaylyn Pruitt, Health, 30 July 2023 To prepare for last night's London premiere of Mission: Impossible 7, French actor Pom Klementieff opted to part ways with her peroxide bob in favor of a pixie two months in the making. Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 23 June 2023 The ultimate blonde, her peroxide waves framed that unforgettable face perfectly. Hannah Coates, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2023 The peroxide blonde model, who hails from upstate New York and is one of six siblings, has fronted numerous campaigns for the storied Italian brand. Eni Subair, Vogue, 25 Jan. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'peroxide.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1804, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1899, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of peroxide was in 1804

Dictionary Entries Near peroxide

Cite this Entry

“Peroxide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peroxide. Accessed 26 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

peroxide

noun
per·​ox·​ide
pə-ˈräk-ˌsīd
: an oxide containing a high proportion of oxygen
especially : hydrogen peroxide

Medical Definition

peroxide

noun
per·​ox·​ide pə-ˈräk-ˌsīd How to pronounce peroxide (audio)
: a compound (as hydrogen peroxide) in which oxygen is visualized as joined to oxygen

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