antioxidant

an·ti·ox·i·dant

noun \ˌan-tē-ˈäk-sə-dənt, ˌan-ˌtī-\

: a substance that is added to food and other products to prevent harmful chemical reactions in which oxygen is combined with other substances

Full Definition of ANTIOXIDANT

:  a substance (as beta-carotene or vitamin C) that inhibits oxidation or reactions promoted by oxygen, peroxides, or free radicals

— antioxidant adjective

First Known Use of ANTIOXIDANT

1919

an·ti·ox·i·dant

noun \ˌant-ē-ˈäk-səd-ənt, ˌan-ˌtī-\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of ANTIOXIDANT

: any of various substances (as beta-carotene, vitamin C, and alpha-tocopherol) that inhibit oxidation or reactions promoted by oxygen and peroxides and that include many held to protect the living body from the deleterious effects of free radicals

—antioxidant adjective

antioxidant

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Any of various compounds added to certain foods, natural and synthetic rubbers, gasolines, and other products to retard autoxidation (combination with oxygen in the air at room temperature) and its effects. Aromatic compounds such as aromatic amines, phenols, and aminophenols delay loss of elasticity in rubber and gummy deposits in gasoline. Preservatives such as tocopherol (vitamin E), propyl gallate, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) prevent rancidity in fats, oils, and fatty foods. In the body, antioxidants such as vitamins C and E and selenium may reduce oxidation caused by free radicals.