oxidize
[ok-si-dahyz]Chemistry
- 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).
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- 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
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for oxidize
Contemporary Examples
Of course, this causes the nail clippers to oxidize and the water turns rusty, but it boils.
Historical Examples
The lead may begin to oxidize if this is done and make it difficult to do a good job.
The Automobile Storage BatteryO. A. Witte
When it hit that blue ship, you could almost see it oxidize before your eyes.
Acid BathVaseleos Garson
We take in fuel and oxidize it, using the heat as our source of power.
The Black Star PassesJohn W Campbell
It melts at from 150° to 160° Wedgewood; and does not oxidize at a white heat.
Sugar will oxidize readily, and in so doing will yield abundant power.
PhysiologyErnest G. Martin
oxidize
oxidise
- 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)
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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
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
oxidize
(ŏk′sĭ-dīz′)- To combine with oxygen; change into an oxide.
- To increase the positive charge or valence of an element by removing electrons.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
oxidize
[ŏk′sĭ-dīz′]
- To undergo or cause to undergo oxidation.
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.