oxidative stress

American  

[ahk-si-dayt-iv stres] / ˈɑk sɪˌdeɪt ɪv ˈstrɛs /

noun

1. Physiology. an age-related condition of the body in which the production of oxidants and the increase in free radicals exceeds the ability of antioxidants to neutralize them, resulting in damage to cells, proteins, and DNA.

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oxidative stress Scientific  

/ ŏk′sĭ-dā′tĭv /

1. A condition of increased oxidant production in animal cells characterized by the release of free radicals and resulting in cellular degeneration.

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Other Word Forms

• oxidative-stress
  adjective

Example Sentences

Eggs also provide lutein and zeaxanthin, which are carotenoids that build up in brain tissue and have been linked to better cognitive performance and lower levels of oxidative stress.

From Science Daily • May 7, 2026

"The body treats microplastics as foreign intruders, which prompts the brain's immune cells to attack them. When the brain is stressed by factors like toxins or environmental pollutants this also causes oxidative stress," he said.

From Science Daily • Mar. 13, 2026

When E. faecalis is present in a wound, the hydrogen peroxide it produces causes oxidative stress in nearby human skin cells.

From Science Daily • Jan. 20, 2026

In excess, they create oxidative stress, which occurs when ROS add oxygen molecules to vital proteins and DNA, damaging or breaking them apart.

From Science Daily • Nov. 20, 2025

“Do you understand the long-term issues of a cross-country run like you’re planning? Muscle damage, oxidative stress, enlargement of the heart, knee damage, hip and pelvis misalignment, should I go on?”

From "A Heart in a Body in the World" by Deb Caletti