/an huy"druyd, -drid/ , n. Chem.
1. a compound formed by removing water from a more complex compound: an oxide of a nonmetal (acid anhydride) or a metal (basic anhydride) that forms an acid or a base, respectively, when united with water.
2. a compound from which water has been abstracted.
[ 1860-65; ANHYDROUS + -IDE ]