Oxygen

Definition

Oxygen is a chemical element with the symbol O and atomic number 8. It is a member of the chalcogen group in the periodic table and is a highly reactive nonmetal and oxidizing agent. Oxygen is vital for most forms of life and is used in various industrial applications.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɑksɪdʒən/
• Respelling: OX-i-jen (with "OX" as in "ox," "i" as in "sit," and "jen" as in "Jen")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɒksɪdʒən/
• Respelling: OX-i-jen (with "OX" as in "ox," "i" as in "sit," and "jen" as in "Jen")

In both dialects, "oxygen" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "OX." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "OX" followed by "i" and then "jen."

Etymology

The word "oxygen" was coined in 1777 by Antoine Lavoisier, from French oxygène, from Greek oxys meaning "sharp" + French -gène meaning "producer", referring to the substance's role in the formation of acids.

Derivatives

• Oxygenate
• Oxygenation
• Oxygenized
• Oxygen-rich
• Oxygen-free

Synonyms

• O2
• Dioxygen
• Aerobic gas

Antonyms

None

Usage

• Refers to the gas that many living organisms breathe to live.
• Used in the context of medical treatments like oxygen therapy.
• Mentioned in various scientific fields when discussing combustion, oxidation, and respiration.

Related Terms

• Air
• Breath
• Respiration
• Oxide
• Ozone

Detailed Definition

Noun

• A chemical element (symbol O) with an atomic number of 8; it is a diatomic molecule and makes up about 20.8% of the Earth's atmosphere.
• Example: "Oxygen is essential for combustion."

• A mixture of oxygen and other gases, administered to patients to help them breathe.
• Example: "The patient was given oxygen after the surgery."

• An atom of this element.
• Example: "Water is made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom."