Oxygen — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈäk-si-jən/ ox·y·gen

Meaning & Definition of Oxygen

Oxygen (noun)

  1. a chemical element with atomic number 8 that constitutes 21 percent of the Earth's atmosphere, that is capable of combining with all elements except some noble gases, that is active in physiological processes of almost all known organisms, and that is involved especially in combustion —often used before another noun
  2. something that sustains or fuels

Word Forms of Oxygen

Derived words: oxygenless (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Oxygen

French oxygène, from Greek oxys, adjective, acidic, literally, sharp + French -gène -gen; akin to Latin acer sharp edge

First known use: 1788

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Oxygen

Words & Phrases Containing Oxygen

Frequently Asked Questions about Oxygen

What does "Oxygen" mean?

"Oxygen" means a chemical element with atomic number 8 that constitutes 21 percent of the Earth's atmosphere, that is capable of combining with all elements except some noble gases, that is active in physiological processes of almost all known organisms, and that is involved especially in combustion —often used before another noun. As a noun, it is defined as: a chemical element with atomic number 8 that constitutes 21 percent of the Earth's atmosphere, that is capable of combining with all elements except some noble gases, that is active in physiological processes of almost all known organisms, and that is involved especially in combustion —often used before another noun. It has 2 distinct senses.

Is "Oxygen" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Oxygen" is a noun.

Is "Oxygen" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Oxygen" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Oxygen"?

"Oxygen" is pronounced /ˈäk-si-jən/ and divided into syllables as ox·y·gen.

What is the origin of the word "Oxygen"?

"Oxygen" comes from French oxygène, from Greek oxys, adjective, acidic, literally, sharp + French -gène -gen; akin to Latin acer sharp edge. First known use: 1788.

What CEFR level is "Oxygen"?

"Oxygen" is a B2-level word in SophDict's CEFR vocabulary lists, which group English words from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient).

What topics is "Oxygen" used in?

"Oxygen" is commonly used in topics such as Weather & Nature.

What words are derived from "Oxygen"?

Words derived from "Oxygen" include oxygenless (adjective).