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

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

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

That is well below the ~1600 mV needed for water oxidation.

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

To prevent oxidation, Matijevich emphasizes the importance of freezing garlic as soon as possible and not leaving it out for too long.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

The research that led to our present understanding of cellular oxidation is one of the most impressive accomplishments in all biology and biochemistry.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Related Words

• decay
• decomposition
• deterioration
• erosion
• rust