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

Rinsing hair before and immediately after swimming, and even wearing a swim cap to protect light hair from oxidation, can be your best defense against accidentally going green. — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 22 Aug. 2026

Crafted in Japan, Fluid Flex Foundation Technology is a polymer blend, infused with color-true longwear pigments that resist oxidation, while starfruit extract helps oil and shine control. — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2026

This method addresses discoloration caused by UV exposure or oxidation. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 19 Aug. 2026

Fat oxidation is the process of breaking down fat molecules to use as energy rather than storing them. — Kristen Gasnick, Verywell Health, 9 Aug. 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