Oxide: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

An oxide is a chemical compound of oxygen with other chemical elements, e.g. iron oxide (rust) or bauxite (aluminum oxide). Oxides are extremely common in Earth's crust, and indeed in solid matter throughout the universe.

Oxides are usually created through the process of oxidation.

Generally, oxides are not conductive to electricity. This property is most commonly taken advantage of with silicon oxide, as silicon can easily be oxidized and the resulting part can be made into a transistor. This is the basis for much modern computer technology.