-ide
suffix
UK/aɪd/ or /ɪd/US/aɪd/ or /ɪd/
Used in chemistry to form nouns referring to compounds, especially binary compounds, where an element or radical is combined with another. Examples include ‘oxide’ (a compound with oxygen), ‘chloride’ (a compound with chlorine), and ‘carbide’ (a compound with carbon). The suffix can also appear in related contexts, such as certain groups of minerals or chemical ions.
Example Sentences
Water contains hydrogen and oxygen, but it does not follow the typical '-ide' naming convention despite being a binary compound.
Sodium chloride is the chemical name for common table salt, illustrating how '-ide' appears in everyday substances.
Calcium fluoride forms important mineral deposits used in the manufacturing of glass, steel, and other industrial products.
A general rule in chemistry is that when an element combines with another to form a simple binary compound, the latter may end in '-ide,' such as sulfide or phosphide.
In naming chemical compounds, applying the '-ide' suffix helps distinguish them from other types of compounds like oxoacids or organic derivatives.
Certain '-ide' compounds, including cyanide, can be extremely toxic, underscoring the importance of proper handling and disposal in laboratory and industrial settings.
Even a small difference in chemical structure among '-ide' compounds can lead to significant variations in their physical properties, behavior in reactions, and potential uses, making it crucial for chemists to carefully distinguish them.
Industries rely on '-ide' compounds, such as silicon carbide and tungsten carbide, for cutting-edge applications in electronics, manufacturing tools, and aerospace engineering because of their hardness and resistance to high temperatures.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A suffix indicating a binary chemical compound or a derivative.The suffix '-ide' is used in chemistry to denote binary compounds (compounds consisting of two elements) or derivatives of certain substances. Examples include 'chloride' (a compound of chlorine with another element), 'oxide' (a compound of oxygen), and 'cyanide' (a compound containing the CN group). It specifies the type of chemical bond or composition, providing clarity in nomenclature.
Alternatives
In non-chemical contexts, '-ide' might be replaced with phrases like 'compound of' or 'derivative of,' such as 'compound of chlorine' for 'chloride.'
Writing
In scientific writing, '-ide' is crucial for precise chemical nomenclature. For instance, 'sodium chloride' directly identifies table salt, a compound of sodium and chlorine.
Casual Conversation
In casual conversation, '-ide' appears in familiar terms like 'fluoride' or 'pesticide,' which are commonly understood in specific contexts.
