oxide

noun

ox·​ide ˈäk-ˌsīd How to pronounce oxide (audio)
: a binary compound of oxygen with a more electropositive element or group
oxidic
äk-ˈsi-dik How to pronounce oxide (audio)
adjective

Examples of oxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One of these structures, known as the ’29’ surface oxide, has presented scientists with a puzzle. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026 Chromium in the alloy reacts at the surface to form an extremely thin, protective oxide film, primarily composed of chromium oxide. — New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026 Nearly all our tools to prevent this—paints, polymer films, or oxide layers—are built around this idea. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026 Some colors emerged instantly, but others, such as blues and greens, developed later over the initial red or brown copper oxides. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for oxide

Word History

Etymology

French oxide, oxyde, from ox- (from oxygène oxygen) + -ide (from acide acid)

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oxide was in 1788

Phrases Containing oxide

Rhymes for oxide

See All Rhymes for oxide

Browse Nearby Words

oxidative phosphorylation
oxide
oxide blue
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Cite this Entry

“Oxide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oxide. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

oxide

noun
ox·​ide ˈäk-ˌsīd How to pronounce oxide (audio)
: a compound of oxygen with another element or a chemical group

Medical Definition

oxide

noun
ox·​ide ˈäk-ˌsīd How to pronounce oxide (audio)
: a binary compound of oxygen with a more electropositive element or chemical group

More from Merriam-Webster on oxide

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oxide

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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