ceric oxide: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Specialised Technical)Formal Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “ceric oxide” mean?
A yellow to red-brown oxide of cerium (CeO₂), known for its polishing and catalytic properties.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A yellow to red-brown oxide of cerium (CeO₂), known for its polishing and catalytic properties.
In chemistry and materials science, ceric oxide refers to cerium(IV) oxide (CeO₂), an industrially significant compound used in glass polishing, automotive catalytic converters, solid oxide fuel cells, and as a UV absorber.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No differences in meaning. Minor spelling variations exist ('oxide' vs. 'oxid'), but 'ceric oxide' is the standard chemical name in both varieties.
Connotations
None beyond its technical meaning.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “ceric oxide” in a Sentence
[subject] + is coated with ceric oxideThe + [process] + uses ceric oxide as a + [function]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ceric oxide” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The surface was ceric-oxidised to improve its catalytic activity.
- The process ceric-oxidises the cerium precursor.
American English
- The surface was ceric oxidized to improve its catalytic activity.
- The process ceric oxidizes the cerium precursor.
adverb
British English
- The compound reacted ceric-oxidatively.
- The material was treated ceric-oxidically.
American English
- The compound reacted ceric-oxidatively.
- The material was treated ceric-oxidically.
adjective
British English
- The ceric oxide catalyst showed remarkable stability.
- They analysed the ceric oxide nanoparticles.
American English
- The ceric oxide catalyst showed remarkable stability.
- They analyzed the ceric oxide nanoparticles.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In corporate reports of chemical, automotive, or electronics firms regarding materials procurement and R&D.
Academic
In chemistry, materials science, and engineering research papers, patents, and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Primary context for usage. Refers to a specific compound with defined stoichiometry and properties.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ceric oxide”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ceric oxide”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ceric oxide”
- Mispronouncing 'ceric' as /ˈsɛrɪk/ or /ˈkɛrɪk/ instead of /ˈsɪərɪk/ or /ˈsɪrɪk/.
- Confusing it with 'cerous oxide' (Ce₂O₃).
- Using it in non-technical contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a fine powder, it can be an irritant, but in its solid, processed form (e.g., in a catalytic converter), it is not hazardous.
'Ceria' is the common industrial and mineralogical name for ceric oxide (CeO₂). They refer to the same compound.
Yes, it occurs as the mineral cerianite, but most industrial ceric oxide is synthetically produced.
It helps reduce vehicle emissions by catalysing the conversion of harmful gases like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides into less harmful substances in catalytic converters.
A yellow to red-brown oxide of cerium (CeO₂), known for its polishing and catalytic properties.
Ceric oxide is usually formal technical/scientific in register.
Ceric oxide: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɪərɪk ˈɒksaɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɪrɪk ˈɑkˌsaɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CERIc' contains 'CeR' – the chemical symbol for Cerium, plus 'ic' for the high oxidation state (IV). Oxide means it's combined with oxygen.
Conceptual Metaphor
INDUSTRIAL WORKHORSE (as a tool for polishing and enabling chemical reactions).
Practice
Quiz
In which everyday object is ceric oxide most commonly found?