oxidize

verb

ox·​i·​dize ˈäk-sə-ˌdīz How to pronounce oxidize (audio)
oxidized; oxidizing

transitive verb

1
: to combine with oxygen
Other chemicals then oxidize the sulfur dioxide to form sulfuric acid, which along with the nitric acid increases the acidity of the dewdrop.R. Monastersky
Should the cork be allowed to dry out, it will shrink and allow air to seep in and oxidize the wine.Peter D. Meltzer
2
: to dehydrogenate especially by the action of oxygen
oxidize an alcohol to an aldehyde
3
: to change (a compound) by increasing the proportion of the electronegative part or change (an element or ion) from a lower to a higher positive valence
What mix of products is formed is a function of the electrode potential used to oxidize the chloride ion.Chemical & Engineering News
: remove one or more electrons from (an atom, ion, or molecule)
oxidize metallic copper to ionic copper

intransitive verb

: to become oxidized
Fats can either oxidize (combine with oxygen) or hydrolyze (combine with water) to become rancid.Shirley Corriher
Silver does not oxidize, or rust, on exposure to air. In fact, compared with most other elements, it is not particularly reactive.C. Claiborne Ray
oxidizable adjective

Examples of oxidize in a Sentence

The paint oxidizes and discolors rapidly.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Metals also oxidize in the aqueous environment of the brain, which can lead them to degrade over time. Emily Mullin, WIRED, 26 Sep. 2024 Then, rinse the cloth well, wring it out, and go over the area to remove soap residue, which can oxidize and create a stain of its own if left on the felt. Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 June 2024 For example, panels of fabric on display at the company’s showrooms in Kyoto are shot with silver leaf that has been oxidizing for more than 40 years, its patina and texture forever evolving. Miles Socha, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019 To keep their golden color, sultanas are treated with sulfur dioxide, a bleaching preservative that prevents them from oxidizing (turning brown) and retains their quality and uniform color. Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 29 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for oxidize 

Word History

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of oxidize was in 1802

Dictionary Entries Near oxidize

Cite this Entry

“Oxidize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oxidize. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

oxidize

verb
ox·​i·​dize ˈäk-sə-ˌdīz How to pronounce oxidize (audio)
oxidized; oxidizing
1
: to combine with oxygen
2
: to remove hydrogen from especially by the action of oxygen
3
: to remove one or more electrons from (an atom, ion, or molecule)
4
: to become oxidized
oxidizer noun

Medical Definition

oxidize

verb
ox·​i·​dize
variants also British oxidise
oxidized also British oxidised; oxidizing also British oxidising

transitive verb

1
: to combine with oxygen
2
: to dehydrogenate especially by the action of oxygen
3
: to change (a compound) by increasing the proportion of the electronegative part or change (an element or ion) from a lower to a higher positive valence : remove one or more electrons from (an atom, ion, or molecule)
oxidizable adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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