Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
peroxyl

peroxyl

9.9
A group of two oxygen atoms in a molecule that reacts easily and can damage cells
  • noun
  • /pəˈrɒksɪl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : peroxilo
  • The peroxyl radical is an oxidizing agent akin to the type our cells generate day in and day out during ordinary metabolism, says Cao, who is a chemist and medical doctor.
  • peroxyl radical

Examples

  • Researchers have found that the peroxyl radical can damage cells if not properly managed.

  • The peroxyl radical plays a crucial role in many oxidation reactions in the body.

  • In the laboratory, scientists often study the behavior of the peroxyl radical to understand its effects on chemical processes.

Surface Forms

peroxyl singular
peroxyls plural

Morphology

peroxyl = peroxide (semi-transparent) = perox + yl

Formed from the chemical combining form 'perox-' plus the radical-forming suffix '-yl'; the structure follows systematic chemical naming but requires specialized chemical knowledge to interpret.

Etymology

Peroxyl comes from peroxide (a chemical with two oxygen atoms) plus the ending -yl that names a small group or part. So a peroxyl is a small, very reactive group containing two oxygen atoms, which is why it often takes part in oxidation and can cause cell damage.