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

In contrast, platinum-silver catalysts accumulated carbon deposits that blocked active sites, while chromium-silver catalysts became less effective because of oxidation. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026

Store opened wine in a cool, dark place with a tight seal to slow oxidation. — Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 21 July 2026

Photons of sunlight can break up the chemical bonds in the particles and transform its chemical identity, a process known as oxidation, Westervelt said. — Kasha Patel, CNN Money, 17 July 2026

In other words, these olives are often harvested while still green and then darkened through oxidation and other methods during processing. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 11 July 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