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Definition of oxygen

oxygen

/ˈɒk.sɪ.dʒən/
ox · y · gen
Plural:oxygens
•
Adjective:oxygenic
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oxygen Lexical Profile

oxygen Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A colorless, odorless reactive gas with atomic number 8 that makes up about one-fifth of the Earth's atmosphere and is essential for the respiration of most living organisms and for combustion.

Example

"Climbers at high altitudes often carry tanks of supplemental oxygen to help them breathe in the thin mountain air."

2

Something that is vital to the continued existence, energy, or success of an activity, organization, or person.

Example

"Public attention and media coverage are the oxygen of political campaigns."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for oxygen

• Nearby Words

oxus
oxy
oxycodone
oxygen
oxygenate
oxymoron
oxymoronic

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in French as 'oxygène' by chemist Antoine Lavoisier in 1777 from Ancient Greek 'oxys' (sharp, acid) and '-genes' (producer), under the mistaken belief that oxygen was an essential component of all acids.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Oxygen. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/oxygen
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