stannic oxide: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (Specialized)Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “stannic oxide” mean?
The chemical compound with the formula SnO₂.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The chemical compound with the formula SnO₂; tin(IV) oxide.
A white or off-white crystalline powder, insoluble in water, used primarily as a polishing agent for metals and glass, in ceramics, and as an opacifier in glazes. It also has applications in gas sensors and as a catalyst.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both use the same nomenclature. 'Tin(IV) oxide' is the preferred modern name in both varieties.
Connotations
None beyond its technical chemical meaning.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language; used exclusively in specialized technical fields in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “stannic oxide” in a Sentence
[SUBJ: Researchers/Process] + [VERB: synthesized/used/deposited] + [OBJ: stannic oxide] + [ADVL: on a substrate/as a catalyst]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stannic oxide” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The stannic oxide coating provided excellent abrasion resistance.
- A stannic oxide precursor was used in the sol-gel process.
American English
- The stannic oxide film acted as an effective gas sensor.
- We need to order more stannic oxide powder for the lab.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in procurement or specification of raw materials for ceramics, polishing, or sensor manufacturing.
Academic
Central term in chemistry, materials science, and inorganic synthesis papers. Discussed in terms of its structure, synthesis, and catalytic/electronic properties.
Everyday
Virtually never used. An everyday speaker would simply say 'a tin oxide' or more likely not know the compound.
Technical
The standard term in lab notebooks, patents, and technical datasheets for the SnO₂ compound.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stannic oxide”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “stannic oxide”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stannic oxide”
- Mispronouncing 'stannic' as /ˈstænɪk/ instead of /ˌstænɪk/ (stress on first syllable).
- Confusing 'stannic' (Sn⁴⁺) with 'stannous' (Sn²⁺).
- Using 'stannic oxide' in casual conversation where 'tin oxide' would suffice.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not precisely. 'Tin oxide' is ambiguous and can refer to either stannous oxide (SnO) or stannic oxide (SnO₂). 'Stannic oxide' specifies the tin(IV) compound, SnO₂.
It is primarily used in the ceramics industry as an opacifier for glazes, as a polishing agent for glass and metals, and increasingly in electronics for gas sensors and transparent conductive films.
The prefix 'stannic-' comes from the Latin 'stannum' for tin and specifically denotes the +4 oxidation state of the tin ion in the compound, as opposed to 'stannous-' for the +2 state.
No. It is a highly specialized term in chemistry and materials science. For general purposes, knowing 'tin oxide' is sufficient, though it is less precise.
The chemical compound with the formula SnO₂.
Stannic oxide is usually technical/scientific in register.
Stannic oxide: in British English it is pronounced /ˌstænɪk ˈɒksaɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌstænɪk ˈɑːksaɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'STANnic' for 'STANnum' (Latin for tin) and 'ic' for the higher (+4) oxidation state (like 'ferric' for Fe³⁺). Oxide means it's bonded to oxygen.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Pure technical compound name)
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary modern IUPAC-style name for SnO₂?