anhydride: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “anhydride” mean?
A chemical compound formed by the removal of water from another compound, particularly acids.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chemical compound formed by the removal of water from another compound, particularly acids.
More broadly, any compound derived from another by removal of a water molecule, with specific examples including acid anhydrides (reactive compounds derived from acids) and basic anhydrides (oxides of metals).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are standard.
Connotations
None beyond the technical meaning.
Frequency
Equally rare in general language, but standard in chemical contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “anhydride” in a Sentence
the anhydride of [acid name][compound] anhydrideanhydride formationVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anhydride” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The anhydride form is more reactive.
American English
- The anhydride form is more reactive.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Only in specific industrial contexts (e.g., chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals).
Academic
Core term in chemistry textbooks and research papers, especially organic and inorganic chemistry.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Essential term in chemical synthesis, polymer industry, and laboratory manuals.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anhydride”
- Mispronouncing as 'an-HID-rid'. Confusing it with 'anhydrous' (which means 'without water' as an adjective, e.g., anhydrous solvent).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Anhydrous' is an adjective meaning 'without water' (e.g., anhydrous ethanol). 'Anhydride' is a noun for a specific type of compound formed by removing water from another compound.
Yes, acetic anhydride ((CH₃CO)₂O) is a common reagent used in organic synthesis, for example, to make aspirin and acetate esters.
Yes, it can be considered the anhydride of carbonic acid (H₂CO₃), as CO₂ + H₂O forms H₂CO₃.
Almost exclusively in chemistry-related fields: academic chemistry, chemical engineering, pharmaceutical research, and industrial chemical production.
A chemical compound formed by the removal of water from another compound, particularly acids.
Anhydride is usually technical/scientific in register.
Anhydride: in British English it is pronounced /ænˈhaɪ.draɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ænˈhaɪ.draɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'AN' (without) + 'HYDR' (water) + 'IDE' (chemical suffix). A compound WITHOUT WATER derived from another.
Conceptual Metaphor
A 'dried-out' version of a parent molecule.
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic of an acid anhydride?