monoxide
UK: mɒˈnɒksaɪd | US: məˈnɑːksaɪd
n. a compound containing one oxygen atom bonded to another element (e.g., carbon monoxide).
monoxide = mon<one> + ox<oxygen> + ide<chemical compound suffix>
- mon<one>: From Greek monos (single, alone).
- ox<oxygen>: Shortened from "oxygen," derived from Greek oxys (sharp, acid) + gen (producing).
- ide<chemical compound suffix>: A suffix used in chemistry to denote binary compounds.
Etymology Origin:
The word "monoxide" emerged in the 19th century as a scientific term, combining Greek monos (one) with "oxide" (oxygen compound). It reflects the precise naming conventions of chemistry, where prefixes like "mon-" indicate the quantity of oxygen atoms (here, one). The suffix "-ide" standardizes it as a binary compound, aligning with terms like "dioxide" or "peroxide."
Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas produced by incomplete combustion.
The lab detected traces of nitrogen monoxide in the experiment.
Proper ventilation prevents monoxide poisoning.
Hemoglobin binds more strongly to monoxide than oxygen.
The firefighter warned about monoxide buildup in enclosed spaces.