antioxidant

noun

an·​ti·​ox·​i·​dant ˌan-tē-ˈäk-sə-dənt 

ˌan-ˌtī-

: a substance (such as beta-carotene or vitamin C) that inhibits oxidation or reactions promoted by oxygen, peroxides, or free radicals

antioxidant adjective

Examples of antioxidant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The body does have a way to fight back — with antioxidants. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 4 Mar. 2025

Figs are also packed with polyphenol antioxidants, which protect against cellular damage and regulate inflammation.8 3. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 24 Feb. 2025

Proponents say the berries are richer in antioxidants than cranberry, raspberry, blackberry, strawberry or blueberries. —Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2025

Vitamin E is an antioxidant and aids the defense against free-radical damage, especially from electronic devices and blue light. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 21 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for antioxidant

• oxidant

Kids Definition

antioxidant

noun

an·​ti·​ox·​i·​dant ˌant-ē-ˈäk-səd-ənt 

ˌan-ˌtī-

: a substance that opposes oxidation or prevents or makes difficult reactions made easier by oxygen

Medical Definition

antioxidant

noun

an·​ti·​ox·​i·​dant ˌant-ē-ˈäk-səd-ənt, ˌan-ˌtī- 

: any of various substances (as beta-carotene, vitamin C, and alpha-tocopherol) that inhibit oxidation or reactions promoted by oxygen and peroxides and that include many held to protect the living body from the deleterious effects of free radicals

antioxidant adjective