'oxide' originates from Modern Latin, specifically the word 'oxydum', where the Greek root 'oxys' meant 'sharp' or 'acid' and the suffix '-ide' was used in chemical nomenclature.

'oxide' changed from the Modern Latin 'oxydum' and French 'oxyde' and eventually became the modern English word 'oxide' (with the plural 'oxides').

Initially used in early chemical nomenclature to denote substances related to 'oxygen' (from Greek roots meaning 'acid-forming' or 'sharp'), and over time it came to mean more generally any compound containing oxygen bonded to another element.