hydroxyl

American  

[hahy-drok-suhl] / haɪˈdrɒk səl /

Or hydroxy

adjective

1. containing the hydroxyl group.

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hydroxyl British  

/ haɪˈdrɒksɪl /

noun

1. (modifier) of, consisting of, or containing the monovalent group -OH or the ion OH ^–

   a hydroxyl group or radical

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hydroxyl Scientific  

/ hī-drŏk′sĭl /

1. The group OH. Hydroxyl is present in bases, certain acids, hydroxides, and alcohols.

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Other Word Forms

• hydroxylic adjective

Etymology

Origin of hydroxyl

First recorded in 1865–70; hydr- ² + ox(y)- ² + -yl

Compare meaning

How does hydroxyl compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• hydroxyl vs. alcohol

Example Sentences

Traditional CDT uses these tumor conditions to spark the formation of hydroxyl radicals, highly reactive molecules made of oxygen and hydrogen that contain an unpaired electron.

From Science Daily

Identifying water through its ultraviolet byproduct, hydroxyl, marks an important step in understanding how interstellar comets behave and change over time.

From Science Daily

One of the biggest drivers was a sharp drop in hydroxyl radicals, which are the main chemicals responsible for breaking methane down in the air.

From Science Daily

Throughout the process, Huml also uses a variety of machines to clean the air, including air scrubbers, deodorizing hydroxyl generators and negative air machines that clean the air and push it outside.

From Los Angeles Times

This is because hydroxyl radicals form in the atmosphere close to the ground during the day when the sun shines.

From Science Daily