dioxide
deye-OK-syd
Dioxide (noun) means a chemical compound in which two oxygen atoms are bonded to one atom of another element. Example: “Plants take in carbon dioxide from the air and give out oxygen.”
noun
1
A chemical compound in which two oxygen atoms are bonded to one atom of another element.
"Plants take in carbon dioxide from the air and give out oxygen."
"Sulphur dioxide is a gas that can cause breathing problems."
"Carbon dioxide is released when fossil fuels are burned."
How to use dioxide
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA compound with two oxygen atoms attached to another element — most familiar from carbon dioxide.
Common pairings
carbon dioxide
sulfur dioxide
nitrogen dioxide
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like dioxide.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- dioxides
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Plants take in carbon _____ from the air and give out oxygen.
Etymology
Formed from the prefix "di-" (two) plus "oxide," reflecting the two oxygen atoms in the compound.
Synonyms
View more →
oxide compound
Rhymes for dioxide
See all rhymes for dioxide →Frequently asked questions
What does “dioxide” mean?
The word “dioxide” means a chemical compound in which two oxygen atoms are bonded to one atom of another element. In plain terms, a compound with two oxygen atoms attached to another element — most familiar from carbon dioxide.
How do you pronounce “dioxide”?
“Dioxide” is pronounced deye-OK-syd (/daɪˈɑksaɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “dioxide” in a sentence?
Here is “dioxide” used in a sentence: “Carbon dioxide is released when fossil fuels are burned.”
What part of speech is “dioxide”?
“Dioxide” is a noun.
Is “dioxide” a common word?
“Dioxide” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between a "dioxide" and a "monoxide"?
A "dioxide" is a compound with two oxygen atoms bonded to one atom of another element, while a "monoxide" has only one oxygen atom bonded to that element. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) are the most familiar example of this contrast.
What is the most common example of a "dioxide"?
Carbon dioxide is the most widely known dioxide, formed from one carbon atom bonded to two oxygen atoms, and it is produced by respiration, combustion, and decomposition. Other common examples include sulfur dioxide and silicon dioxide.
Is "dioxide" always written as one word after an element name?
Yes, "dioxide" is typically joined directly to the element's name in compound chemical terms, such as "carbon dioxide" or "titanium dioxide," written as two separate words with "dioxide" following the element. The "di-" prefix specifically signals two oxygen atoms in the molecule.
