oxidize

verb

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ox·i·dize | \ ˈäk-sə-ˌdīz

oxidized; oxidizing

Definition of oxidize

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

Other Words from oxidize More Example Sentences Phrases Containing oxidize Learn More About oxidize

Examples of oxidize in a Sentence

The paint oxidizes and discolors rapidly.

Recent Examples on the Web Mitochondrial density, lactate threshold, and the ability to oxidize fat stores all decrease. — Kelly O'mara, Outside Online, 27 Mar. 2014 As the name implies, a defining characteristic of this genus is the ability to oxidize organic carbon sources like sucrose, glucose, and ethanol into acetic acid, which is known for its antimicrobial properties. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 24 Jan. 2022 An expired perfume will have a slightly sour, metallic smell once the top notes have begun to oxidize. — Joseph Deacetis, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2022 The base built mitochondria, capillaries, enzyme processes to oxidize fat, tissue adaptations, and countless other physiological changes aligning with health and fitness. — Mark Cucuzzella, Outside Online, 29 July 2019 These bacteria oxidize metals like iron, basically inducing the same disintegration that takes place during rusting. — Caroline Delbert, Popular Mechanics, 8 Nov. 2021 The colors don't oxidize and easily cover redness, and the formula gives skin a boost with jojoba oil, vitamin E, squalane, rose seed oil, and marula seed oil. — Rachel Nussbaum, Health.com, 19 Oct. 2021 The gas is injected into water to oxidize, or burn away any naturally occurring discoloration and rotten-egg smell in water pumped from the Floridan Aquifer. — Kevin Spear, orlandosentinel.com, 20 Aug. 2021 Exposed to the outside air, an in-joke or a funny anecdote can oxidize into shame or racist ridicule. — Zoë Hu, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 2021 See More

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.

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Dictionary Entries Near oxidize

oxidization

oxidize

oxidized oil

Statistics for oxidize

Last Updated

31 Mar 2022

Cite this Entry

“Oxidize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oxidize. Accessed 26 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for oxidize

oxidize

verb

ox·i·dize | \ ˈäk-sə-ˌdīz

oxidized; oxidizing

Kids Definition of oxidize

: to combine or become combined with oxygen The various metals will oxidize at different rates. Iron oxidizes to form rust.

oxidize

verb

ox·i·dize

variants: also British oxidise \ ˈäk-sə-ˌdīz

oxidized also British oxidised; oxidizing also British oxidising

Medical Definition of oxidize

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