Definition

1. Noun:
   • A chemical compound: "copper oxide" is an inorganic compound consisting of copper and oxygen.
   • A type of oxide: Specifically, it is any oxide formed from copper, with the most common forms being cuprous oxide (Cu₂O) and cupric oxide (CuO).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The statue developed a green patina of copper oxide over the years.
  • Copper oxide is often used as a pigment in ceramics and glass.
  • The experiment involved reducing copper oxide to produce pure copper metal.

Advanced Usage

• In chemistry: The term "copper oxide" can refer to different stoichiometries, primarily distinguishing between cuprous oxide (Cu₂O, copper(I) oxide) and cupric oxide (CuO, copper(II) oxide).
  • The semiconductor properties of cuprous oxide are of significant research interest.
• In industrial contexts: It is used in processes such as welding, as a catalyst, or in the production of other copper compounds.
  • The factory uses copper oxide as a precursor for making copper salts.

Variants and Related Words

• Cuprous oxide (n): Copper(I) oxide, with the chemical formula Cu₂O, often red or yellow in color.
• Cupric oxide (n): Copper(II) oxide, with the chemical formula CuO, typically a black powder.
• Oxide (n): A binary compound of oxygen with another element or group.

Synonyms

• Cupric oxide (specifically for CuO)
• Cuprous oxide (specifically for Cu₂O)

Related Phrases

• Copper oxide nanoparticle: Refers to engineered particles of copper oxide at the nanoscale.
  • Copper oxide nanoparticles show potential in antimicrobial applications.
• Copper oxide layer: A thin film or coating of copper oxide, often formed on the surface of copper metal.
  • The electrical contact was poor due to an insulating copper oxide layer.

Noun

1. an oxide of copper