noun
Uncommon
oxide
OK-syd
Oxide (noun) means a chemical compound formed when oxygen combines with another element. Example: “Rust is simply iron oxide, formed when iron reacts with oxygen in the air.”
noun
1
A chemical compound formed when oxygen combines with another element.
"Rust is simply iron oxide, formed when iron reacts with oxygen in the air."
"Carbon dioxide is one of the most familiar oxides."
"Aluminium forms a thin layer of oxide that protects the metal underneath."
"In fact, nitric oxide (not to be confused with nitrous oxide, or laughing gas) is one of our primary signalling molecules."
— Bill Bryson, The Body: A Guide for Occupants (2019)
How to use oxide
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA compound made of oxygen plus another element.
Common pairings
iron oxide
nitrous oxide
metal oxide
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Word forms
- Plural
- oxides
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Rust is simply iron _____, formed when iron reacts with oxygen in the air.
Etymology
Coined in French as a blend of "oxygène" and "acide," reflecting the fact that many oxides were originally understood through their role in forming acids.
Rhymes for oxide
See all rhymes for oxide →Frequently asked questions
What does “oxide” mean?
The word “oxide” means a chemical compound formed when oxygen combines with another element. In plain terms, a compound made of oxygen plus another element.
How do you pronounce “oxide”?
“Oxide” is pronounced OK-syd (/ˈɑksaɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “oxide” in a sentence?
Here is “oxide” used in a sentence: “Rust is simply iron oxide, formed when iron reacts with oxygen in the air.”
What part of speech is “oxide”?
“Oxide” is a noun.
Where does the word “oxide” come from?
The word “oxide” comes from French. Coined in French as a blend of "oxygène" and "acide," reflecting the fact that many oxides were originally understood through their role in forming acids.
Is “oxide” a common word?
“Oxide” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between an "oxide" and an "oxidizer"?
An oxide is a compound formed when oxygen chemically combines with another element, such as iron oxide or carbon dioxide. An oxidizer, by contrast, is a substance that causes oxidation in other materials but isn't necessarily an oxide itself.
Is rust the same thing as an oxide?
Rust is one specific example of an oxide, formed when oxygen combines with iron to produce iron oxide. Not every oxide looks or behaves like rust, since an oxide's properties depend on which element has bonded with the oxygen.
How does "oxide" appear in chemical names?
"Oxide" appears as part of the name of compounds containing oxygen bonded to another element, such as "carbon dioxide," "aluminum oxide," or "magnesium oxide." The word signals that oxygen is present in the compound's structure.
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