hydroxyl radical

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Definitions from WordNet

Noun hydroxyl radical has 1 sense

hydroxyl, hydroxyl group, hydroxyl radical - the monovalent group -OH in such compounds as bases and some acids and alcohols
--₁ is a kind of group, radical, chemical group

Definitions from the Web

Hydroxyl Radical

Description:

The hydroxyl radical is a highly reactive chemical species consisting of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom. It is a crucial component in atmospheric chemistry, responsible for initiating the oxidation of many organic compounds. Hydroxyl radicals are often abbreviated as OH∙.

Sense 1:

Noun - Chemistry

The hydroxyl radical is a highly reactive and short-lived species formed by the photodissociation of ozone in the atmosphere.

Example sentence:

Scientists measure the concentration of hydroxyl radicals in the air to understand the rate of atmospheric pollution.

Sense 2:

Noun - Biology

In biology, hydroxyl radicals can be produced as by-products during cellular metabolism, leading to oxidative damage in cells and tissues.

Example sentence:

The accumulation of hydroxyl radicals in the body can result in oxidative stress, which has been linked to various diseases.