Definition of oxidize
oxidized
;oxidizing
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)
intransitive verb
: to become oxidized
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Examples of oxidize in a Sentence
The paint oxidizes and discolors rapidly.
Recent Examples of oxidize from the Web
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The building’s facade, made of zinc and copper, will oxidize over time, creating a patina delivering the look of a building from Williamsburg’s past.
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A cheap Dell monitor in black and silver bronzed, oxidized and covered in valves and knobs.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'oxidize'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
1802
First Known Use of oxidize
1802
OXIDIZE Defined for English Language Learners
oxidize
playDefinition of oxidize for English Language Learners
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: to become combined with oxygen
OXIDIZE Defined for Kids
oxidize
playDefinition of oxidize for Students
oxidized
;oxidizing
: to combine or become combined with oxygen The various metals will oxidize at different rates. Iron oxidizes to form rust.
Medical Dictionary
oxidize
Medical Definition of oxidize
oxidized
also Britishoxidised
;oxidizing
also Britishoxidising
1
transitive verb
: to combine with oxygen2: 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)
intransitive verb
: to become oxidized
Learn More about oxidize
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See words that rhyme with oxidize Spanish Central: Translation of oxidize Nglish: Translation of oxidize for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of oxidize for Arabic speakers
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