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

Related Words

• decay
• decomposition
• deterioration
• erosion
• rust