Definition of hydroxyl in English:
hydroxyl
noun hʌɪˈdrɒksʌɪlhʌɪˈdrɒksɪlhaɪˈdrɑksəl
Chemistry as modifier Of or denoting the radical —OH, present in alcohols and many other organic compounds.
Example sentencesExamples
- The carbonyl group can be broken down by the action of hydrogen cyanide; a hydroxyl group and a nitrile group are formed in this reaction.
- Water always contains small quantities of two ions, hydronium ions and hydroxyl ions (OH -).
- At present the evidence for hydroxyl radicals being mutagenic is limited.
- In the atmosphere the hydroxyl radicals oxidise nitrates to form ozone.
- Phenols are a subgroup of alcohol in which the hydroxyl groups are attached directly to the carbon atoms of a ring structure.
Origin
Mid 19th century: from a blend of hydrogen and oxygen, + -yl.
Definition of hydroxyl in US English:
hydroxyl
nounhaɪˈdrɑksəlhīˈdräksəl
Chemistry as modifier Of or denoting the radical —OH, present in alcohols and many other organic compounds.
Example sentencesExamples
- In the atmosphere the hydroxyl radicals oxidise nitrates to form ozone.
- At present the evidence for hydroxyl radicals being mutagenic is limited.
- Phenols are a subgroup of alcohol in which the hydroxyl groups are attached directly to the carbon atoms of a ring structure.
- The carbonyl group can be broken down by the action of hydrogen cyanide; a hydroxyl group and a nitrile group are formed in this reaction.
- Water always contains small quantities of two ions, hydronium ions and hydroxyl ions (OH -).
Origin
Mid 19th century: from a blend of hydrogen and oxygen, + -yl.