© 2026 Sloth Lingo. Learn easy. Lounge wisely.

hydroxide

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /haɪˈdrɒksaɪd/

KK: /haɪˈdrɒksaɪd/

noun
Definition

A type of chemical compound that includes a hydroxyl group, which is made up of one oxygen atom and one hydrogen atom.


Example

Sodium hydroxide is commonly used in cleaning products.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of hydroxide in chemistry class?
Sloth B
Yeah, I remember it’s part of some important compounds.
Sloth A
Exactly! I find it fascinating how hydroxide can affect reactions.
Sloth B
Me too! It’s amazing how something so small can have such a big impact.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
anion
alkali
base
Antonyms
acid
cation
salt
Root Explanation

Hydroxide → It is formed from "hydro-" (from Greek "hydor", meaning water) and "oxide" (from Latin "oxydum", meaning acid-forming substance). The word "hydroxide" refers to a compound containing water and an oxide, specifically a negatively charged ion consisting of oxygen and hydrogen.

Memory Tip

Think of 'water' ('hydro-') combined with an 'acid-forming substance' ('oxide') to remember that hydroxide is a compound that includes water and oxygen.

Visually Confused Words
hyperoxide
metahydroxide
anhydroxime
Is this page helpful?