Oxygen
ox·y·gen | ˈäk-si-jən
noun
A nonmetallic element that is normally a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas
Oxygen is an element on the periodic table with the atomic number of eight. It is a highly reactive nonmetal element that can oxidize with dozens of other elements to create oxides. Because it combines with other elements so easily, oxygen can be found in many different compounds, from gasses like carbon dioxide to water to rust. The compounds that result from oxygen combining with another element are called oxides and make up nearly half of all the matter on Earth. Well beyond our consumption of oxygen to breathe, it is a significantly important element in the makeup of the Earth’s crust, appearing in many different types of metals.