oxidize
[ ok-si-dahyz ]
/ ˈɒk sɪˌdaɪz /
Save This Word!
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.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
Also especially British, ox·i·dise .
OTHER WORDS FROM oxidize
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
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, nounCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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.