dioxide

noun

di·​ox·​ide (ˌ)dī-ˈäk-ˌsīd 

: an oxide (such as carbon dioxide) containing two atoms of oxygen in the molecule

Examples of dioxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Nitrogen Dioxide Nitrogen dioxide is a colorless, odorless gas present in appliances that burn fuel, including gas, kerosene, or wood. —Sanja Jelic, Verywell Health, 29 Apr. 2026

Carbon dioxide, the byproduct of respiration of all living animals, is particularly attractive. —David Hu, The Conversation, 18 Mar. 2026

The fear of a refinery spewing sulfur-dioxide soot and unleashing acid rain, Yoder said, was enough to prompt the county health department to create a pollution-control office to enforce air-quality regulations and end the refinery plans. —Jenny Staletovich, Miami Herald, 10 Mar. 2026

On the Red Planet, this hardware could convert a carbon-dioxide-rich atmosphere into breathable oxygen and methane, fueling the trip home. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

circa 1847, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing dioxide

• carbon dioxide
• chlorine dioxide
• lead dioxide
• manganese dioxide
• nitrogen dioxide
• silicon dioxide
• sulfur dioxide
• titanium dioxide

Rhymes for dioxide

• abide
• allied
• applied
• aside
• astride
• azide
• backside
• bankside
• bastide
• bayside
• bedside
• belied

Kids Definition

dioxide

noun

di·​ox·​ide (ˈ)dī-ˈäk-ˌsīd 

: an oxide containing two atoms of oxygen in the molecule

Medical Definition

dioxide

noun

di·​ox·​ide (ˈ)dī-ˈäk-ˌsīd 

: an oxide (as carbon dioxide) containing two atoms of oxygen in a molecule