oxidation

noun

ox·​i·​da·​tion ˌäk-sə-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce oxidation (audio)
1
: the act or process of oxidizing
2
: the state or result of being oxidized
oxidative adjective
oxidatively adverb

Examples of oxidation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Walnuts Walnuts stand out among nuts for their exceptionally high levels of polyphenols (plant compounds) and vitamin E, antioxidants that protect fats within the body from harmful oxidation. Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2025 Anthocyanins, pigments that give eggplant its purple color, help prevent the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Cynthia Sass, Health, 29 Oct. 2025 Warm kitchens speed up staling and fat oxidation, dulling flavors faster. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2025 This movement allows extraction and oxidation, but holds the ethanol in and reduces evaporation. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for oxidation

Word History

Etymology

French, from oxider, oxyder to oxidize, from oxide

First Known Use

1745, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of oxidation was in 1745

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Oxidation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oxidation. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

oxidation

noun
ox·​i·​da·​tion ˌäk-sə-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce oxidation (audio)
1
: the process of oxidizing
2
: the state or result of being oxidized
oxidative adjective

Medical Definition

oxidation

noun
ox·​i·​da·​tion ˌäk-sə-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce oxidation (audio)
1
: the act or process of oxidizing
2
: the state or result of being oxidized

More from Merriam-Webster on oxidation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!