Definition

Referring to a compound that has one less oxygen atom than the compound it is based on, usually by replacing a hydroxyl group with a hydrogen atom.

Example

Deoxy sugars are important in the structure of DNA.

Conversation

Did you hear about the new deoxy compound they discovered in the lab?

Yeah, I read something about it; it sounds fascinating!

I wonder how it differs from the regular compounds we usually study.

It probably has unique properties due to the deoxy structure.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Deoxy is formed from "de-" (meaning removal or reversal) and "oxy" (from Greek "oxus", meaning sharp or acid, often referring to oxygen). The term "deoxy" refers to the removal of an oxygen atom, commonly used in the context of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which lacks an oxygen atom compared to ribonucleic acid (RNA).

Memory Tip

Think of 'removing' ('de-') something 'sharp' or 'acidic' ('oxy') — that's why deoxy refers to the absence of oxygen.

Visually Confused Words