Words That Begin with “X”

By Annette Rey

What do all the words that begin with the letter x have in common?

The x is always pronounced like the letter z as in the familiar word xylophone. This is helpful to know especially as you are exposed to words in the medical community, like Xanax, a tranquilizer, and Xeroform, a wound dressing.

The name of the Persian king Xerxes has a double z sound, one for each x.

And on the side, be aware of Xylitol. It is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener in gum and other human foods. It can be deadly to dogs, causing liver failure in as little as twenty-four hours. Seek veterinarian care as soon as you know your pet has ingested Xylitol.

Keep in mind your z’s and x’s – and take good care of your canine family members as well!