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

The luciferase catalyzes the oxidation of luciferin, producing blue light, which GFP then absorbs and re-emits as green fluorescence. —Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2026

The plant is suffering from photo-oxidation, where the chlorophyll is breaking down under the stress of direct UV rays. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Apr. 2026

Enstatite chondrites are the least oxidized chondrites, carbonaceous ones are the most oxidized, and ordinary chondrites have an intermediate oxidation level. —Javier Barbuzano, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2026

Gray or brown ground beef is not automatically spoiled—myoglobin oxidation is a normal process. —Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 19 Apr. 2026

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