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oxidize

[ ok-si-dahyz ]
/ ˈɒk sɪˌdaɪz /
Chemistry
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See synonyms for: oxidize / oxidized / oxidizing on Thesaurus.com
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.
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Also especially British, ox·i·dise .

Origin of oxidize

First recorded in 1795–1805; oxide + -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM oxidize

Words nearby oxidize

oxidative, oxidative phosphorylation, oxidative stress, oxide, oxidimetry, oxidize, oxidized cellulose, oxidized glutathione, oxidizer, oxidizing agent, oxidoreductase
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

Words related to oxidize

burn, corrode, heat, rust

How to use oxidize in a sentence

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 forms of oxidize

oxidization 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

Medical 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.

Scientific 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.
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