oxidation

noun

ox·​i·​da·​tion ˌäk-sə-ˈdā-shən 

1

: the act or process of oxidizing

2

: the state or result of being oxidized

oxidative

ˈäk-sə-ˌdā-tiv 

adjective

oxidatively adverb

Examples of oxidation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One persistent theory was that plants produce these compounds passively, through oxidation of more common precursor chemicals, or that these plants partner with bacteria to produce their stenches. —Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 8 May 2025

Unhealthy oils are often high in saturated or trans fats, heavily processed, and prone to oxidation, producing harmful compounds and contributing to inflammation and heart disease. —Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 5 May 2025

It is caused by the oxidation of fats and oils, leading to the formation of harmful compounds such as free radicals and hydroperoxide. —Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025

Each storage tip limits the amount of air that comes into contact with the guacamole, as air exposure leads to oxidation and the green avocado turning brown. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from oxider, oxyder to oxidize, from oxide

First Known Use

1745, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing oxidation

• beta-oxidation
• oxidation-reduction
• oxidation state
• re-oxidation

Rhymes for oxidation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

oxidation

noun

ox·​i·​da·​tion ˌäk-sə-ˈdā-shən 

1

: the process of oxidizing

2

: the state or result of being oxidized

oxidative

ˈäk-sə-ˌdāt-iv 

adjective

Medical Definition

oxidation

noun

ox·​i·​da·​tion ˌäk-sə-ˈdā-shən 

1

: the act or process of oxidizing

2

: the state or result of being oxidized