oxidize

American  

[ok-si-dahyz] / ˈɒk sɪˌdaɪz /

especially British, oxidise

verb (used with object)

oxidized, oxidizing

1. to convert (an element) into an oxide; combine with oxygen.

2. to cover with a coating of oxide or rust.

3. to take away hydrogen, as by the action of oxygen; add oxygen or any nonmetal.

4. to remove electrons from (an atom or molecule), thereby increasing the valence.

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verb (used without object)

oxidized, oxidizing

1. to become oxidized.

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

oxidize British  

/ ˈɒksɪˌdaɪz /

verb

1. to undergo or cause to undergo a chemical reaction with oxygen, as in formation of an oxide

2. to form or cause to form a layer of metal oxide, as in rusting

3. to lose or cause to lose hydrogen atoms

4. to undergo or cause to undergo a decrease in the number of electrons Compare reduce

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oxidize Scientific  

/ ŏk′sĭ-dīz′ /

1. To undergo or cause to undergo oxidation.

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Other Word Forms

• antioxidizing
  adjective
• half-oxidized
  adjective
• nonoxidizable
  adjective
• nonoxidizing
  adjective
• overoxidize
  verb
• oxidable
  adjective
• oxidizability
  noun
• oxidizable
  adjective
• oxidization
  noun
• reoxidize
  verb
• underoxidize
  verb (used with object)
• unoxidizable
  adjective
• unoxidized
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of oxidize

First recorded in 1795–1805; oxide + -ize

Explanation

To oxidize is to chemically combine with oxygen. If you have a rusty car, that is the result of "oxidizing." In chemistry class, you'll probably learn about oxidizing, which is when oxygen molecules combine with other molecules to produce an oxide. The most common example of oxidizing is rusting: oxygen interacts with iron molecules to produce the new (and unwelcome) iron oxide molecules, better known as rust. There are other types of oxidizing too, such as how the oxygen in our bodies is used to break down sugars. Oxidizing is a type of chemical reaction.

Example Sentences

"For modern Earth we know the answer -- sulfite loves to oxidize, or react with oxygen, so it'll go away super-fast."

From Science Daily • Mar. 13, 2024

Because the process of nuclear fission does not burn or oxidize anything, nearly all the fuel used in producing energy at nuclear plants becomes waste without reducing its mass.

From Salon • Mar. 4, 2024

These, Borduas-Dedekind explains, oxidize in the air, forming larger molecules that can easily absorb water and form clouds.

From National Geographic • Feb. 16, 2024

Over time, the shiny brass exterior will oxidize, giving the pencil holder a vintage, worn-in feel.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 1, 2023

Perhaps there is an exotic inorganic chemistry in the Martian soil that is able by itself, in the absence of Martian microbes, to oxidize foodstuffs.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan