oxidation

noun

ox·​i·​da·​tion ˌäk-sə-ˈdā-shən 

1

: the act or process of oxidizing

2

: the state or result of being oxidized

oxidative

ˈäk-sə-ˌdā-tiv 

adjective

oxidatively adverb

Examples of oxidation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Unlike your old toaster, in which electricity combines with oxidation from the air to eventually burn out the heating element, the Joule Hive firebricks are already oxidized. —Andrew Rosenblum, Popular Science, 26 Dec. 2024

The mineral oil will actually help protect the copper from oxidation by creating another layer the oxygen will have to work through to get to the copper itself. —Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 16 Dec. 2024

This breakdown also makes flaxseed more sensitive to oxidation or spoiling.2 Whole flaxseeds should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve their health-promoting properties. —Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Health, 16 Dec. 2024

Those compounds released during hot brewing will lead to a much different character, with more oxidation and often higher acidity or bitterness. —Matthew Korfhage, WIRED, 6 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, from oxider, oxyder to oxidize, from oxide

First Known Use

1745, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing oxidation

• beta-oxidation
• oxidation-reduction
• oxidation state
• re-oxidation

Kids Definition

oxidation

noun

ox·​i·​da·​tion ˌäk-sə-ˈdā-shən 

1

: the process of oxidizing

2

: the state or result of being oxidized

oxidative

ˈäk-sə-ˌdāt-iv 

adjective

Medical Definition

oxidation

noun

ox·​i·​da·​tion ˌäk-sə-ˈdā-shən 

1

: the act or process of oxidizing

2

: the state or result of being oxidized