oxidation

Also ox·i·di·za·tion

[ok-si-dey-shuhn]

noun

Chemistry.

1. the process or result of oxidizing.

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

oxidation

/ ˌɒksɪˈdeɪʃən /

noun

1. 1. the act or process of oxidizing

   2. ( as modifier )

      an oxidation state

      an oxidation potential

oxidation

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

oxidation

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.)

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of oxidation¹

First recorded in 1785–95; oxide + -ation

Example Sentences

“On Earth, the majority of atmospheric oxygen is derived from biological activity, making the nature of surface oxidation important for understanding the potential for past life on Mars,” Loeb said.

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Without bicarbonate or CO₂ present in experimental DNA oxidation reactions, the chemistry is also different.

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The oxidation states of individual elements could also be determined locally.

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With black tea, after the leaves are picked they're exposed to air, which leads to oxidation.

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This allows electrons to be removed from the absorbed electron donors through solid-state ET oxidation reactions, resulting in the accumulation of holes in the donors inside the nanotube.

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Related Words

• decay 
• decomposition 
• deterioration 
• erosion 
• rust