English Reference

Word

hydroxy

Phoneticshy·droxy

US/ˌhaɪˈdɹɔksi/

UK/hˈaɪdɹɒksi/

Definition

adj. containing a hydroxyl group, which is a chemical part made of one oxygen and one hydrogen atom. You usually see this in names of chemicals or in science.

adj. containing a hydroxyl group (-OH) as a functional group. Typically used in chemical nomenclature to describe organic compounds or inorganic salts.

Examples

“The scientist tested the hydroxy compound for its properties.”

“In organic chemistry, a hydroxy group is essential for forming alcohols and other functional derivatives.”

“The presence of a hydroxy group significantly increases the polarity of a molecule, often enhancing its solubility in water and its ability to form hydrogen bonds with other substances.”

Examples

simple

“The scientist tested the hydroxy compound for its properties.”

contextual

“In organic chemistry, a hydroxy group is essential for forming alcohols and other functional derivatives.”

complex

“The presence of a hydroxy group significantly increases the polarity of a molecule, often enhancing its solubility in water and its ability to form hydrogen bonds with other substances.”

Etymology

hydro- + oxy

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Domain

Chemistry

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

Scan code

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English Reference