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

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Etymology

Origin of hydroxyl

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

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Compare meaning

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

• hydroxyl vs. alcohol

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

hydroxyl

“It’s a foundational study about the chemistry of plastics interacting with the most common chemical, water, and it’s important because it really does show that these things are capable of generating hydroxyl radicals,” Campen said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 17, 2026

An advanced civilization might recognize the importance of hydrogen and hydroxyl and choose to send or monitor signals there.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 30, 2026

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 ● Mar. 1, 2026

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 ● Jan. 16, 2025

One-third of which is of benzenoid type The lignone contains but little hydroxyl.

From Researches on Cellulose 1895-1900 by C. F. Cross

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