hydroxyl group

American

noun

the univalent group –OH, as in inorganic compounds, such as sodium hydroxide, NaOH, or as in organic compounds, such as ethyl alcohol, C 2 H 6 O.

Etymology

Origin of hydroxyl group

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The third acid group of the citric acid then reacts with the hydroxyl group on the same molecule.

From Science Daily • Nov. 15, 2024

"This incision by ERCC1-XPF creates a markable free hydroxyl group in the DNA, enabling us to sequence DNA and locate these breaks," explains Dr. Son.

From Science Daily • Mar. 12, 2024

In the end, swapping the position of a hydrogen atom and a hydroxyl group on the backbone of the molecule blocked its ability to bind to cholesterol.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 8, 2023

Polymers are synthesized by using the energy released by the breaking of water molecules into hydrogen and hydroxyl group.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

The nitro group behaves very similarly to the hydroxyl group.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 1 "Châtelet" to "Chicago" by Various

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023