oxidation

noun
UK: /ˌɒksɪˈdeɪʃən/
US: /ˌɑːksɪˈdeɪʃən/

  1. The process of a substance combining with oxygen, or losing electrons.

    1. Rust is a form of oxidation that damages iron over time.
    2. The oxidation of the metal caused the surface to corrode and weaken considerably.

  2. A chemical reaction in which a substance loses electrons to another substance.

    1. Oxidation can change a molecule, by losing electrons.
    2. During cellular respiration, the oxidation of glucose releases energy for the cell.

  3. The process by which food or drink is changed chemically when it is exposed to air.

    1. This oxidation makes the food turn brown.
    2. The oxidation of wine after opening can affect its taste and quality negatively.

Synonyms

corrosion burning combustion
oxidation verb

  1. To combine or become combined chemically with oxygen.

    1. Iron oxidizes to form rust in the air.
    2. When exposed to air, some metals will oxidize, causing a change in appearance.

  2. To lose electrons in a chemical reaction.

    1. The iron atom oxidizes by losing two electrons.
    2. In this reaction, one reactant oxidizes while the other is reduced, maintaining balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "oxidation" in English means: The process of a substance combining with oxygen, or losing electrons., A chemical reaction in which a substance loses electrons to another substance., The process by which food or drink is changed chemically when it is exposed to air..

The phonetic transcription of "oxidation" is /ˌɒksɪˈdeɪʃən/ in British English and /ˌɑːksɪˈdeɪʃən/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "oxidation": corrosion, burning, combustion.

Example usage of "oxidation": "Rust is a form of oxidation that damages iron over time.". More examples on the page.