peroxyde

peroxyde

She applies peroxyde to her hair to lighten it.

Definition

  1. Noun (Chemistry):

    • A peroxide is a chemical compound containing the peroxide ion (O₂²⁻) or a bivalent -O-O- group, often used as a bleaching agent or disinfectant.
    • In informal usage, "peroxyde" is a common misspelling of peroxide, specifically referring to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), used for hair bleaching or wound cleaning.

  2. Verb (Informal):

    • To treat or bleach (hair) with hydrogen peroxide.
    • Example: She peroxided her hair to achieve a lighter shade.
Usage Examples

  • Noun:

    • The chemist studied the properties of various peroxides. (A class of chemical compounds with an oxygen-oxygen single bond.)
    • She bought a bottle of hydrogen peroxide to disinfect her wound. (A common household antiseptic.)

  • Verb:

    • He peroxided his hair for a punk rock look. (Bleached his hair using hydrogen peroxide.)
Advanced Usage

  • "Hydrogen peroxide": a specific peroxide used as a bleach, antiseptic, and propellant.

    • Hydrogen peroxide is often used in rocket fuel as an oxidizer. (A concentrated form for industrial applications.)

  • "Organic peroxide": a peroxide in which the hydrogen atoms are replaced by organic groups, used as initiators in polymerization.

    • Benzoyl peroxide is an organic peroxide used in acne treatments. (A common dermatological agent.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Peroxide (n, v): the standard spelling and correct term. "Peroxyde" is a variant or outdated spelling.

    • The label on the bottle read "hydrogen peroxide." (Standard spelling in modern English.)

  • Peroxidation (n): the chemical process of forming peroxides.

    • Lipid peroxidation can damage cell membranes. (A biological process involving peroxide formation.)
Synonyms

  • Bleach (v): to make something white or lighter using chemicals.

    • She bleached her hair with peroxide. (Synonym for the verb form.)

  • Disinfectant (n): a chemical that kills germs, often containing peroxide.

    • Hydrogen peroxide is a common disinfectant. (A specific use of the substance.)
Phrasal Verbs
  • Peroxide out: to remove color or treat with peroxide.
    • She peroxided out the yellow tint from her hair. (Bleached away unwanted color.)
Related Idioms
  • "Not worth a peroxide": a rare, informal phrase meaning something of little value (not a standard idiom).
    • His promise wasn't worth a peroxide. (Not a common usage; included for context of the word's informal history.)