Word
hydroxyl
Phoneticshy·drox·yl
UK/hˈaɪdɹəksˌɪl/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a group of one oxygen and one hydrogen atom that is part of a larger chemical molecule. It is often written as -OH and is found in many common substances like water and alcohol.
n. a functional group consisting of an oxygen atom and a hydrogen atom, typically represented as -OH. It is a fundamental component of alcohols, carboxylic acids, and many organic compounds.
Examples
“The hydroxyl group makes the molecule more water-soluble.”
“In the presence of a catalyst, the hydroxyl group can react with other molecules to form new chemical bonds.”
“The presence of a hydroxyl group significantly increases the polarity of an organic molecule, allowing it to form hydrogen bonds with water and other polar solvents.”
Examples
simple
“The hydroxyl group makes the molecule more water-soluble.”
contextual
“In the presence of a catalyst, the hydroxyl group can react with other molecules to form new chemical bonds.”
complex
“The presence of a hydroxyl group significantly increases the polarity of an organic molecule, allowing it to form hydrogen bonds with water and other polar solvents.”
Real-World Examples
“The polystyrene powder and water mixture contained hydroxyl radicals, a highly reactive ROS.” Etymology
From a blend of hydrogen + oxygen + -yl.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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