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.

---

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.

---

Other Word Forms

• oxidative-stress
  adjective

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

oxidative stress

Although reactive oxygen species play useful roles in normal cell signaling and immune defenses, excessive production can damage tissues and increase oxidative stress.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 18, 2026

Cell-culture and mouse studies also suggest links to cancer, inflammation and oxidative stress.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026

These include pathways involving bile acids, NAD-related pathways, gut bacterial metabolites, oxidative stress markers and certain steroids.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 5, 2026

The research team is continuing to investigate how food additives and ultra-processed foods influence inflammation, oxidative stress, blood metabolic markers, and the composition of the gut microbiota.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 18, 2026

“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