OXYSALT Meaning and
Definition
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Oxysalt is a term used in chemistry to define a specific type of salt compound that contains oxygen. Salts themselves are chemical compounds composed of positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions), and they typically form through the reaction between an acid and a base. Oxysalts, however, are unique in that they contain an oxygen atom within their molecular structure.
This type of salt is formed when an acid reacts with a metal hydroxide, oxide, or carbonate compound that contains oxygen. As a result of this chemical reaction, the oxygen from the metal compound is incorporated into the salt compound, leading to the formation of an oxysalt.
Oxysalts are typically named based on the metal cation and the type of acid involved in their formation. For example, if copper reacts with sulfuric acid to form a salt compound containing oxygen, it is called copper sulfate, where "sulfate" represents the sulfuric acid. Likewise, if sodium reacts with phosphoric acid to form a salt compound containing oxygen, it is called sodium phosphate, where "phosphate" represents the phosphoric acid.
These oxysalts often have various industrial applications, such as in agriculture, medicine, and manufacturing. They can be used as fertilizers, electrolytes in batteries, ingredients in pharmaceuticals, and in the production of ceramics, glass, and cosmetics. The presence of oxygen within oxysalts provides them with unique chemical and physical properties, making them valuable and versatile compounds within the realm of chemistry.
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A salt formed from an oxacid.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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A salt into the composition of which oxygen enters.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for OXYSALT
- ixysalt
- kxysalt
- lxysalt
- pxysalt
- 0xysalt
- 9xysalt
- ozysalt
- ocysalt
- odysalt
- osysalt
- oxtsalt
- oxgsalt
- oxhsalt
- oxusalt
- ox7salt
- ox6salt
- oxyaalt
- oxyzalt
- oxyxalt
- oxydalt
Etymology of OXYSALT
The word "oxysalt" has its etymology rooted in ancient Greek. It combines two Greek words: "oxy" (ὀξύς) meaning "sharp" or "acid", and "salt" (άλς) referring to any compound formed by the reaction of an acid with a base.
In ancient times, the concept of salts was based on their taste and not their composition. Salts with a sour or acidic taste were called "oxy" salts to distinguish them from "halo" (ἅλς) salts, which tasted salty and were derived from marine or rock salt. Over time, the definition of "salt" became refined to include any compound resulting from the chemical reaction of an acid with a base, regardless of taste. Thus, the term "oxysalt" has remained in use to describe salts formed from acidic compounds.
Similar spelling words for OXYSALT
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