superoxide

[ soo-per-ok-sahyd, -sid ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a compound containing the univalent ion O 2 − .
2. peroxide ( def 1a, 1b ).

superoxide

/ ˌsuːpərˈɒksaɪd /

noun

1. any of certain metal oxides that contain the O 2 ^–ion

   potassium superoxide, KO2

Word History and Origins

Origin of superoxide¹

First recorded in 1840–50; super- + oxide

Example Sentences

Finely ground platinum brought in contact with hydrogen-superoxide divides it into hydrogen and oxygen.

From Project Gutenberg