oxide

American  

[ok-sahyd, -sid] / ˈɒk saɪd, -sɪd /

Also oxid

noun

Chemistry.

1. a compound in which oxygen is bonded to one or more electropositive atoms.

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oxide British  

/ ˈɒksaɪd /

noun

1. any compound of oxygen with another element

2. any organic compound in which an oxygen atom is bound to two alkyl or aryl groups; an ether or epoxide

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oxide Scientific  

/ ŏk′sīd′ /

1. A compound of oxygen and another element or radical. Water (H ₂ O) is an oxide.

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Other Word Forms

• oxidic adjective

Etymology

Origin of oxide

First recorded in 1780–90; from French (now oxyde ), blend of ox(ygène) oxygen and (ac)ide acid

Example Sentences

Last month, Lynas began producing samarium oxide, a difficult-to-source rare earth in high military demand that is used in heat-resistant magnets for jet fighters and missiles.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026

Fibers made with graphene oxide retained their antibacterial properties even after repeated washing, suggesting strong potential for use in clothing, medical fabrics, and other practical applications.

From Science Daily • Apr. 26, 2026

This selectivity comes from oxygen-containing groups on the surface of graphene oxide.

From Science Daily • Apr. 26, 2026

USA Rare Earth’s CEO stated the deal advances its integrated value chain, aiming for Europe’s first rare earth oxide and metal-making platform.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Some of it turns into nitrous oxide, a gas that increases global warming.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan