Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

hydroxy

Prefix / Chemical Term

/haɪˈdrɒk.si/

Definition

A term referring to a chemical group containing one oxygen atom and one hydrogen atom (-OH), often attached to another molecule.

Examples

Hydroxychloroquine is often used to treat malaria and autoimmune diseases.
Many vitamins, such as vitamin D, can have hydroxyl groups in their structures.
In organic chemistry, hydroxy compounds can exhibit different properties due to the presence of the hydroxyl group.

Meaning

Hydroxy is commonly used in various scientific and medical contexts, particularly in chemistry and pharmacology, to describe compounds or groups that possess the hydroxyl functional group.