Langimage
English

dioxygen

|di/ox/y/gen|

B2

🇺🇸

/daɪˈɑksɪdʒən/

🇬🇧

/daɪˈɒksɪdʒən/

two oxygen atoms

Etymology
Etymology Information

'dioxygen' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'di-' meaning 'two' and 'oxygen' from 'oxys' meaning 'sharp' and 'genes' meaning 'born of'.

Historical Evolution

'dioxygen' was formed by combining the prefix 'di-' with 'oxygen' to denote a molecule consisting of two oxygen atoms.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'two oxygen atoms bonded together', and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a molecule consisting of two oxygen atoms, commonly referred to as O₂, which is essential for respiration in most living organisms.

Dioxygen is crucial for the survival of aerobic organisms.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/03/06 00:21