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.

---

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

---

oxide Scientific  

/ ŏk′sīd′ /

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

---

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

Nitric oxide helps blood vessels relax and function properly, which is important for healthy blood pressure regulation.

From Science Daily • May 25, 2026

In January 2025, the company settled with the South Coast Air Quality Management District for $909,935.95 over violations of permit requirements, record-keeping requirements, and nitrogen oxide emissions, according to a report posted on AQMD’s website.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2026

“In the meantime, Iluka should be announcing rare-earths oxide offtake deals from mid-year keeping the REO news flow active,” Ord Minnett says.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

It produced 40,000 metric tons of rare earth oxide in 2025.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

Her face was smeared with so much zinc oxide that it looked like she’d fallen nose-first into a frosted cake.

From "Flush" by Carl Hiaasen