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oxidize

[ ok-si-dahyz ]
/ ˈɒk sɪˌdaɪz /
Chemistry
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verb (used with object), ox·i·dized, ox·i·diz·ing.

to convert (an element) into an oxide; combine with oxygen.
to cover with a coating of oxide or rust.
to take away hydrogen, as by the action of oxygen; add oxygen or any nonmetal.
to remove electrons from (an atom or molecule), thereby increasing the valence.Compare reduce(def 12).

verb (used without object), ox·i·dized, ox·i·diz·ing.

to become oxidized.
(especially of white wine) to lose freshness after prolonged exposure to air and often to darken in color.

RELATED WORDS

heat, burn, rust, corrode

Nearby words

  1. oxidative phosphorylation,
  2. oxidative stress,
  3. oxide,
  4. oxidic,
  5. oxidimetry,
  6. oxidized cellulose,
  7. oxidized glutathione,
  8. oxidizer,
  9. oxidoreductase,
  10. oxime
Also especially British, ox·i·dise.

Origin of oxidize

First recorded in 1795–1805; oxide + -ize
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for oxidize

British Dictionary definitions for oxidize

oxidize

oxidise

/ (ˈɒksɪˌdaɪz) /

verb

to undergo or cause to undergo a chemical reaction with oxygen, as in formation of an oxide
to form or cause to form a layer of metal oxide, as in rusting
to lose or cause to lose hydrogen atoms
to undergo or cause to undergo a decrease in the number of electronsCompare reduce (def. 12c)
Derived Formsoxidization or oxidisation, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for oxidize

oxidize

v.

1802 (implied in oxidizable), from oxide + -ize. Related: Oxidized; oxidizing; oxidization.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper

Medicine definitions for oxidize

oxidize

[ ŏk′sĭ-dīz′ ]

v.

To combine with oxygen; change into an oxide.
To increase the positive charge or valence of an element by removing electrons.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Science definitions for oxidize

oxidize

[ ŏk′sĭ-dīz′ ]

To undergo or cause to undergo oxidation.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.