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Oxide Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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oxide

[ˈɒk.saɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

chemical compound

An oxide is a chemical compound that contains at least one oxygen atom and one other element. Oxides can be formed from a variety of elements and are critical in various chemical reactions. Examples include carbon dioxide (CO2) and iron oxide (Fe2O3).

Synonyms

oxidized compound, oxygen compound.

Examples of usage

  • Oxygen combines with metals to form metallic oxides.
  • Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas and an important oxide.
  • Rust is primarily composed of iron oxides.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Chemistry

  • Oxides can be classified as basic, acidic, or amphoteric, depending on how they react with acids and bases.
  • Common examples include water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2), both integral to life on Earth.
  • Oxides can form in different states, as solids (like rust), liquids (like molten metals), or gases (like sulfur dioxide).

Environmental Science

  • Oxides play a crucial role in Earth's atmosphere, influencing both air quality and climate change.
  • Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are pollutants that can cause smog and respiratory problems when released from vehicles.

Technology

  • In electronics, metal oxides are used in semiconductors, playing a pivotal role in modern computer technology.
  • Zinc oxide is used in sunscreens because it can block harmful UV rays, making it an important ingredient in skin protection.

Cultural References

  • In art, artists often use metal oxides to create unique colors in ceramics and glazes.
  • The term appears frequently in science fiction as a device to explore humanity's relationship with technology and nature.

Origin of 'oxide'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the French word 'oxyde', which is derived from the Greek 'oxys', meaning acid.
  • It was first used in the early 19th century to describe compounds of oxygen with other elements.

The term 'oxide' originates from the French word 'oxide', which itself comes from the Greek 'oxys', meaning 'sharp' or 'acid', combined with the Latin affix '-ide', used to form names of chemical compounds. The earliest usage of the term dates back to the early 19th century, when chemists began systematically naming chemical compounds. As the study of chemistry evolved, the classification of compounds such as oxides became fundamental in understanding chemical reactions and properties. Today, oxides play crucial roles in various fields, including materials science, environmental science, and industrial chemistry.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,588, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.