oxygen

A chemical element found in air and water, needed by people and animals to live.

• Air contains oxygen.
• Hydrogen and oxygen combine to form water.
• Many metals react with oxygen.

Similar words: sourstuff

Common phrases: oxygen atom, oxygen gas, oxygen molecule

A gas supply given to someone to help them breathe.

• The nurse gave him oxygen.
• She needed oxygen during the flight.
• The patient was still on oxygen the next morning.

How to use it: on oxygen (He is on oxygen while his lungs recover.)

Common phrases: give oxygen, oxygen mask, on oxygen

Something that allows an idea, activity, or feeling to grow or continue.

• Freedom is oxygen for creativity.
• Public attention became the oxygen of the movement.
• Open debate provides oxygen for new ideas.

How to use it: oxygen for something (Encouragement is oxygen for young talent.)

Similar words: lifeblood, fuel

Common phrases: oxygen of something, oxygen for something

One atom of the chemical element with the symbol O.

• Each molecule has one oxygen.
• The terminal oxygen forms a bond with carbon.
• Two oxygens are attached to the central atom.

Common phrases: one oxygen, terminal oxygen