autoxidation

[ aw-tok-si-dey-shuhn ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. the oxidation of a compound by exposure to air.
2. an oxidation reaction in which another substance, in addition to air and the compound being oxidized, must be present.

autoxidation

/ ɔːˌtɒksɪˈdeɪʃən /

noun

1. chem
   1. oxidation by exposure to atmospheric oxygen
   2. oxidation that will only occur when another oxidation reaction is taking place in the same system

Word History and Origins

Origin of autoxidation¹

aut- + oxidation