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

Previous studies helped establish that cyanobacteria began producing oxygen around 2.9 billion years ago, while oxygen did not permanently accumulate in the atmosphere until roughly 2.33 billion years ago during the Great Oxidation Event.

From Science Daily • Feb. 18, 2026

Oxidation leads to the formation of smaller molecules such as ketones, aldehydes and fatty acids that give rancid foods a characteristic rank, strong and metallic scent.

From Salon • Oct. 19, 2023

Oxidation is primarily associated with the browning of cut apples or potatoes, but it can affect flavor, too.

From Washington Post • Mar. 3, 2023

But then, in a revolution known as the Great Oxidation Event, ocean-living microbes evolved the ability to photosynthesize.

From Science Magazine • Feb. 15, 2023

Oxidation progresses in a cycle like a turning wheel.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Related Words

• decay
• decomposition
• deterioration
• erosion
• rust