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Oxygen Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’จ
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oxygen

[หˆษ’ksษชdส’ษ™n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

chemical element

Oxygen is a chemical element with the symbol O and atomic number 8. It is a member of the chalcogen group on the periodic table, a highly reactive nonmetal, and an oxidizing agent that readily forms oxides with most elements as well as with other compounds.

Synonyms

O2, atomic oxygen, elemental oxygen.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
oxygen

Used in general conversation or scientific contexts to refer to the chemical element essential for respiration and combustion.

  • Plants produce oxygen during photosynthesis.
  • We need oxygen to breathe.
O2

Used in scientific notation to describe the diatomic molecule of oxygen, commonly in chemical equations, molecular biology, and other scientific fields.

  • The balanced equation for the combustion of hydrogen is 2H2 + O2 โ†’ 2H2O.
  • Oxygen exists primarily as O2 in the Earth's atmosphere.
elemental oxygen

Used in scientific and educational contexts to refer to oxygen in its pure, uncombined form. Often used to differentiate it from compounds containing oxygen.

  • Elemental oxygen is a diatomic molecule at standard conditions.
  • In chemical reactions, elemental oxygen can act as a powerful oxidizer.
atomic oxygen

Used in scientific and technical contexts to refer to single oxygen atoms, often in the study of atmospheric science or materials exposed to space environments.

  • Atomic oxygen in low Earth orbit degrades satellite materials.
  • The presence of atomic oxygen was detected in the upper atmosphere.

Examples of usage

  • Plants produce oxygen during photosynthesis.
  • Oxygen is essential for human respiration.
  • The atmosphere is composed of approximately 21% oxygen.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Oxygen makes up about 21% of Earth's atmosphere, playing a crucial role in supporting life.
  • It's essential for respiration in most living organisms, which use it to convert food into energy.
  • Oxygen is highly reactive and can form compounds with almost all elements, making it a key player in chemistry.

Health

  • Humans can survive only a few minutes without oxygen, highlighting its importance for survival.
  • Breathing pure oxygen can have medical benefits and is used in treatments for various respiratory conditions.

Environment

  • Green plants produce oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis, highlighting their critical role in our ecosystem.
  • The presence of oxygen in water helps sustain aquatic life as many animals rely on it for breathing.

Pop Culture

  • The 'Oxygen' network focuses on programming for women, showing how essential the concept of breathing is for life, in an inspirational context.
  • Songs and films often use 'oxygen' as a metaphor for love or essential relationships, indicating how vital these connections are.

Origin of 'oxygen'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'oxy' meaning 'sharp' or 'acidic' and 'genes' meaning 'producer' or 'former'.
  • It was first coined by the French chemist Antoine Lavoisier in the late 18th century.

The word 'oxygen' comes from the French word 'oxygรจne' coined in the 18th century by Antoine Lavoisier, from the Greek words 'oxys' (acid) and 'gennan' (to generate). Oxygen was first discovered by Carl Wilhelm Scheele in 1772 and independently by Joseph Priestley in 1774. It plays a vital role in various biological and chemical processes.

See also: oxygenate, oxygenation.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,102, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.