Oxide Definition, Common Uses & Chemical Properties

Meaning 1：oxygen compound (oxide)

oxide 🔊

/ˈɒksaɪd/

A compound formed when oxygen combines with another element or group.

Oxide example: close-up photo of rust on metal showing corrosion texture

oxygen compound 🔊

➕

/ˈɒksɪdʒən ˈkɒmpaʊnd/

A chemical substance where oxygen is chemically bonded to another element or group, often resulting from reactions like corrosion.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Greek 'oxys' (sharp, acid) + '-ide' (suffix for compounds).

💡 Mnemonic

Think: Oxygen + ide suffix = oxide, a compound containing oxygen.

📖 Example

When iron is left outside in the rain, it slowly turns into oxide, which we commonly call rust. 🔊 When iron is exposed to rain, it gradually transforms into oxide, commonly known as rust.

🔗 Collocations

iron oxide – a compound of iron and oxygen, often seen as rust

aluminum oxide – a compound of aluminum and oxygen, used in industrial applications

nitrogen oxide – a compound of nitrogen and oxygen, frequently an air pollutant

🔄 Synonyms

rust (n.) – specifically iron oxide formed through corrosion of iron

compound (n.) – a substance formed by the chemical combination of two or more elements

corrosion product (n.) – a substance resulting from the deterioration of materials, often oxides

🚫 Antonyms

element (n.) – a pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means

pure metal (n.) – a metallic substance in its uncombined state, without oxide layers

🌱 Derivatives

oxidize (v.) – to combine or cause to combine with oxygen, often resulting in oxide formation

oxidation (n.) – the chemical process of oxidizing or being oxidized

dioxide (n.) – a compound containing two atoms of oxygen per molecule, e.g., carbon dioxide

📖 Cultural Story

The term 'oxide' derives from Greek 'oxys' meaning 'sharp' or 'acid', as oxygen was initially obtained from acids. It entered English via French in the late 18th century.