Peroxide

//pəˈrɒksʌɪd// noun, verb

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A divalent radical or anion containing two oxygen atoms linked by a covalent bond; any substance containing this group yields hydrogen peroxide when treated with an acid. countable, uncountable
  2. 2
    a viscous liquid with strong oxidizing properties; a powerful bleaching agent; also used (in aqueous solutions) as a mild disinfectant and (in strong concentrations) as an oxidant in rocket fuels wordnet
  3. 3
    Hydrogen peroxide, especially when in an aqueous solution used as a bleach. countable, uncountable
  4. 4
    an inorganic compound containing the divalent ion -O-O- wordnet
  5. 5
    Any compound containing the functional group R-O-O-R'. countable, uncountable

    "Thus far, Dr. Petrakis said, he had found that in women with […] extractable breast fluid, the amount of lipid peroxides in the fluid was on the average seven times higher in Caucasian women than in women of Chinese de[s]cent. In addition, women with cystic breast disease, who face a higher than usual risk of breast cancer, appear to have more peroxides in their breast fluid than women with normal breasts."

Verb
  1. 1
    To treat (something) with hydrogen peroxide, especially hair in order to bleach it. transitive
  2. 2
    bleach with peroxide wordnet

Etymology

Etymology 1

From per- + oxide.

Etymology 2

From per- + oxide.

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