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

Try a Sip: Since spoiled wine is typically due to oxidation, trying a small sip won’t hurt you. —Annie Peterson, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Feb. 2025

However, the fat in butter is susceptible to going rancid, a result of oxidation that shifts the structure of the fat molecules and affects flavor, smell, texture, and color. —Annie Peterson, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Jan. 2025

This change in color that occurs in many different fruits, including apples, pears, and peaches, is a natural process called oxidation. —Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 9 Oct. 2024

Harmful Compounds Seed oils are highly refined and prone to oxidation at high temperatures. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 22 Jan. 2025

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

Rhymes for oxidation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

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