Oxo

Oxo, in science, is a prefix used in systematic nomenclature to indicate the presence of an oxygen atom in a molecule. It commonly denotes an oxygen-containing substituent or a carbonyl-type oxygen (an oxo group) that is bonded to a central atom. The term is widely used in organic and inorganic chemistry, for example in words such as dioxo, oxo ligands, or metal-oxo species, where it helps specify oxidation state and bonding arrangements.

Oxo is also a brand name used for consumer products. OXO International markets kitchen tools and housewares under the OXO brand, known for ergonomic handles and user-friendly design across items such as vegetable peelers, mixing bowls, and measuring spoons. In some markets, the name OXO is associated with stock cubes or bouillon products sold under the OXO label, a long-established pantry brand.

Beyond chemistry and consumer products, the term oxo appears in scientific literature to describe oxygen-containing functional groups and oxide species in various disciplines, including biochemistry and materials science. As a linguistic form, oxo serves as a combining form used to build terms that designate oxygen-related structures.