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

I learned to force a patina—a controlled oxidation to protect the blade—with vinegar.

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This specifically remarkable as resistance to oxidation and ductility still cannot be predicted sufficiently to allow a targeted material design -- despite the great progress that has been achieved in computer-assisted materials development.

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“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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Related Words

• decay 
• decomposition 
• deterioration 
• erosion 
• rust