oxygen
Syllabification: (ox·y·gen)
Pronunciation: /ˈäksəjən/
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Definition of oxygen
noun
- a colorless, odorless reactive gas, the chemical element of atomic number 8 and the life-supporting component of the air. Oxygen forms about 20 percent of the earth’s atmosphere, and is the most abundant element in the earth’s crust, mainly in the form of oxides, silicates, and carbonates. (Symbol: O)
Derivatives
Pronunciation: /äkˈsijənəs/
adjective
Origin:
late 18th century: from French (principe) oxygène 'acidifying constituent' (because at first it was held to be the essential component in the formation of acids)