antioxidant
Americannoun
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Chemistry. any substance that inhibits oxidation, as a substance that inhibits oxidative deterioration of gasoline, rubbers, plastics, soaps, etc.
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Biochemistry. an enzyme or other organic substance, as vitamin E or beta carotene, that is capable of counteracting the damaging effects of oxidation in animal tissues.
adjective
noun
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any substance that retards deterioration by oxidation, esp of fats, oils, foods, petroleum products, or rubber
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biology a substance, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, or beta carotene, that counteracts the damaging effects of oxidation in a living organism
Etymology
Origin of antioxidant
First recorded in 1925–30; anti- + oxidant ( oxid(ize) + -ant )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
That’s on top of the injections Leite gives herself regularly: NAD+, which she says makes her feel energized and alleviates her brain fog, and glutathione, which is marketed for antioxidant and immune support.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026
They increase levels of "reactive oxygen species," unstable molecules that can damage cells, while also weakening the body's antioxidant defenses that normally keep these molecules under control.
From Science Daily • Mar. 13, 2026
The ultrasound-assisted process also boosted the honey's levels of phenolic compounds, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
From Science Daily • Mar. 1, 2026
Laboratory research further supported bamboo's nutritional value and antioxidant strength.
From Science Daily • Jan. 16, 2026
“Just some antioxidant recipes. Ready for BiPAP and America’s Next Top Model?” she asked.
From "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.