A chemical compound containing the hydroxyl group (OH⁻), typically formed when a metal oxide reacts with water. Common examples include sodium hydroxide (lye) and calcium hydroxide (lime).
Formed in the 19th century from 'hydro-' (from Greek 'hydor' meaning water) combined with 'oxide' (from French 'oxyde,' from Greek 'oxys' meaning sharp or acid). The term describes compounds that release hydroxyl ions in aqueous solutions.
Hydroxides are the chemical opposites of acids - they're bases that love to gobble up hydrogen ions. Sodium hydroxide is so powerfully basic it can dissolve hair and grease, making it perfect for drain cleaners but dangerous to handle without protection.
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