passivate

[ pas-uh-veyt ]

verb (used with object)

, Metallurgy.

, pas·si·vat·ed, pas·si·vat·ing.

1. to treat (a metal) to render the surface less reactive chemically.

passivate

/ ˈpæsɪˌveɪt /

verb

1. tr to render (a metal) less susceptible to corrosion by coating the surface with a substance, such as an oxide

Other Words From

• passi·vation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of passivate¹

First recorded in 1910–15; passive + -ate ¹