oxidation state

noun

, Chemistry.

1. the state of an element or ion in a compound with regard to the electrons gained or lost by the element or ion in the reaction that formed the compound, expressed as a positive or negative number indicating the ionic charge of the element or ion.

oxidation state

1. See valence

Word History and Origins

Origin of oxidation state¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

The color depends on the oxidation state of the iron atom bound to the muscle.

From Popular-Science