Subscriber login


Forgot your password?

Library card login

Other

peroxide

Pronunciation: /pəˈrɒksʌɪd/
Translate peroxide | into German | into Spanish
Definition of peroxide

noun

Chemistry
  • a compound containing two oxygen atoms bonded together in its molecule or as the anion O22−: the peptide neutralizes free radicals and peroxides, both of which can prevent cells from operating properly benzoyl peroxide sodium peroxide
  • [mass noun] hydrogen peroxide, especially as used as a bleach for the hair: [as modifier]:a peroxide blonde

verb

[with object]
  • bleach (hair) with peroxide: she peroxided her wavy brown hair (as adjective peroxided)a face framed in peroxided curls

Origin:

early 19th century: from per- (sense 2) + oxide

peroxide in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of peroxide in the US English dictionary
  |  Cite
Oxford Dictionaries Pro

For Oxford's best resources for writers, plus thesaurus, audio, and 1.9m examples.

Shop for an Oxford dictionary

Find the perfect Oxford dictionary for you in our online shop.
SHOP NOW ►

Word of the day

cur

/ kəː /
noun
an aggressive or unkempt dog …