oxidation

American  

[ok-si-day-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
• nonoxidization
  noun
• overoxidization
  noun
• reoxidation
  noun
• self-oxidation
  noun
• nonoxidative
  adjective
• oxidational
  adjective
• oxidative
  adjective
• unoxidative
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of oxidation

First recorded in 1785–95; oxide + -ation

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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

See Examples For:

oxidation

Some of that oxygen could then be released, potentially contributing to chemical reactions that increase the oxidation of the upper mantle, Earth's crust, and eventually the atmosphere.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 29, 2026

To demonstrate their discovery, the scientists investigated a well-established chemical process called Baeyer-Villiger oxidation.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 12, 2026

Nickel can change both its oxidation state and its atomic arrangement under the high-temperature redox conditions involved in POM.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 9, 2026

Reaching 1700 mV is important because it takes the material beyond the potential needed for water oxidation.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 11, 2026

Unfortunately, a good many chemicals also have the power to separate oxidation from energy production, and the insecticides and weed killers are well represented on the list.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

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Related Words

• decay
• decomposition
• deterioration
• erosion
• rust

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