suboxide

[ suhb-ok-sahyd, -sid ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. the oxide of an element that contains the smallest proportion of oxygen.

suboxide

/ sʌbˈɒksaɪd /

noun

1. an oxide of an element containing less oxygen than the common oxide formed by the element

   carbon suboxide, C2O3

Word History and Origins

Origin of suboxide¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; sub- + oxide

Example Sentences

The suboxide of a grayish blue colour, which forms a kind of crust upon a plate of lead long exposed to the air.

From Project Gutenberg

Copper forms two oxides, the suboxide and the protoxide; the suboxide colours glass red, while the protoxide renders it green.

From Project Gutenberg

If there is much sugar, the first drop will throw down a yellow precipitate of suboxide of copper, which becomes rapidly red.

From Project Gutenberg

This specimen is interesting, as showing the early use and knowledge of suboxide of copper as a stain or coloring agent for glass.

From Project Gutenberg

This color was quite superficial, and the glass itself was opaque and of a vermilion tint, attributed to suboxide of copper.

From Project Gutenberg