oxidation

American  

[ok-si-dey-shuhn] / ɒk sɪˈdeɪ ʃən /

Also oxidization

noun

Chemistry.

1. the process or result of oxidizing.

2. the deposit that forms on the surface of a metal as it oxidizes.

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oxidation British  

/ ˌɒksɪˈdeɪʃən /

noun

1. 1. the act or process of oxidizing

   2. ( as modifier )

      an oxidation state

      an oxidation potential

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oxidation Scientific  

/ ŏk′sĭ-dā′shən /

1. The chemical combination of a substance with oxygen.

2. A chemical reaction in which an atom or ion loses electrons, thus undergoing an increase in valence. Removing an electron from an iron atom having a valence of +2 changes the valence to +3.

3. Compare reduction

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oxidation Cultural  

1. Any chemical reaction in which a material gives up electrons, as when the material combines with oxygen. Burning is an example of rapid oxidation; rusting is an example of slow oxidation. (See combustion and reduction.)

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• oxidational
  adjective
• nonoxidation
  noun
• oxidative
  adjective
• nonoxidization
  noun
• overoxidization
  noun
• nonoxidative
  adjective
• unoxidative
  adjective
• reoxidation
  noun
• self-oxidation
  noun

Etymology

Origin of oxidation

First recorded in 1785–95; oxide + -ation

Explanation

An apple gone brown on the counter or a penny turned green over years have both gone through the process of oxidation, or exposure to air, which changes their properties — including color. Oxidation is a word used to describe what happens when metal rusts or starts to disintegrate over time with exposure to air. But the process of oxidation — a word that looks very much like the word oxygen — isn't limited only to metals. Bananas turn brown over time because of the oxidation process. If you see an old car crumbling from all its rust, it's seen its fair share of the oxidation process.

Example Sentences

"Monounsaturated fats really protect the cancer cells from lipid oxidation," Ruiz explains.

From Science Daily • Jun. 2, 2026

The discovery, reported in Materials Today in the study "A sequential dual-passivation strategy for designing stainless steel used above water oxidation," builds on Huang's long running "Super Steel" Project.

From Science Daily • May 10, 2026

When the earth layers of the cliffside move, oxygen can interact with unstable compounds in the rocks — including iron sulfides — which produces a lot of heat during the oxidation process.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

It’s important to note that chopping garlic exposes it to air, leading to oxidation that gives it a blue or green color.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

It may well be that some of the findings about diminished reproduction are also linked with interference with biological oxidation, and consequent depletion of the all-important storage batteries of ATP.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Related Words

• decay
• decomposition
• deterioration
• erosion
• rust