oxidize

verb

ox·​i·​dize ˈäk-sə-ˌdīz How to pronounce oxidize (audio)
oxidized; oxidizing

transitive verb

1
: to combine with oxygen
Other chemicals then oxidize the sulfur dioxide to form sulfuric acid, which along with the nitric acid increases the acidity of the dewdrop.R. Monastersky
Should the cork be allowed to dry out, it will shrink and allow air to seep in and oxidize the wine.Peter D. Meltzer
2
: to dehydrogenate especially by the action of oxygen
oxidize an alcohol to an aldehyde
3
: to change (a compound) by increasing the proportion of the electronegative part or change (an element or ion) from a lower to a higher positive valence
What mix of products is formed is a function of the electrode potential used to oxidize the chloride ion.Chemical & Engineering News
: remove one or more electrons from (an atom, ion, or molecule)
oxidize metallic copper to ionic copper

intransitive verb

: to become oxidized
Fats can either oxidize (combine with oxygen) or hydrolyze (combine with water) to become rancid.Shirley Corriher
Silver does not oxidize, or rust, on exposure to air. In fact, compared with most other elements, it is not particularly reactive.C. Claiborne Ray
oxidizable adjective

Examples of oxidize in a Sentence

The paint oxidizes and discolors rapidly.
Recent Examples on the Web That's forming sulfuric acid and oxidizing the leftover iron, which would normally precipitate out of the water as rust. Alec Luhn, Scientific American, 19 Dec. 2023 Peptides are not suitable for acne-prone skin because common acne treatment ingredients like benzoyl peroxide cause peptides to oxidize. Dr. Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 9 Feb. 2024 That then reacts with the OH radicals, oxidizing it. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 26 Apr. 2023 Scientists hypothesize that minerals and metals stored in the reservoir’s sediment will oxidize as they’re released, further contributing to oxygen depletion. Alka Tripathy-Lang, Ars Technica, 11 Jan. 2024 Interestingly, after the whisky was dumped from barrels it was put into clay pots that are normally used to age shochu for a period of time—Fraser says this allowed the whisky to oxidize a bit, but has no effect on the flavor in the way that wood does. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 11 Dec. 2023 If it's carried by groundwater out into an oxygenated stream, it can once again be oxidized. Alec Luhn, Scientific American, 19 Dec. 2023 Once cut, Cosmic Crisp apples are slow to oxidize, making the variety a great choice for salads and cheese boards. Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Dec. 2023 Juices oxidize quickly, which can create off flavors. M. Carrie Allan, Washington Post, 17 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'oxidize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of oxidize was in 1802

Dictionary Entries Near oxidize

Cite this Entry

“Oxidize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oxidize. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

oxidize

verb
ox·​i·​dize ˈäk-sə-ˌdīz How to pronounce oxidize (audio)
oxidized; oxidizing
1
: to combine with oxygen
2
: to remove hydrogen from especially by the action of oxygen
3
: to remove one or more electrons from (an atom, ion, or molecule)
4
: to become oxidized
oxidizer noun

Medical Definition

oxidize

verb
ox·​i·​dize
variants also British oxidise
oxidized also British oxidised; oxidizing also British oxidising

transitive verb

1
: to combine with oxygen
2
: to dehydrogenate especially by the action of oxygen
3
: to change (a compound) by increasing the proportion of the electronegative part or change (an element or ion) from a lower to a higher positive valence : remove one or more electrons from (an atom, ion, or molecule)
oxidizable adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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