Definition

A type of chemical compound that is created when water is removed from another compound, usually an acid.

Example

Sulfur anhydride is used in the production of sulfuric acid.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of an anhydride?

Not really, what is it?

It's a chemical compound formed from another by removing water, like from an acid.

That sounds interesting! I should look it up.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Anhydride → It is formed from "an-" (meaning without) and "hydor" (from Greek "ὕδωρ", meaning water) and "-ide" (a suffix used in chemistry to denote a compound). The word "anhydride" refers to a compound that is derived from another compound by the removal of water, thus meaning without water.

Memory Tip

Think of 'without' ('an-') and 'water' ('hydor') to remember that an anhydride is a compound that lacks water.

Visually Confused Words