oxidizing agent

noun

: a substance that oxidizes something especially chemically (as by accepting electrons)

Examples of oxidizing agent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The explosives contain heavy metals and oxidizing agents, some of which could pose harmful for residents’ health, according to a county news release issued Monday. Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 11 Aug. 2025 The process sprays a vapor of a monomer and an oxidizing agent onto a substrate. IEEE Spectrum, 28 Dec. 2010 Allium vegetables contain oxidizing agents that, in dogs, destroy red blood cells and make it so their organs don't get enough oxygen. Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2024 Various oxidizing agents can be employed during this process, each offering unique advantages depending on specific requirements. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 9 July 2023 This is because bleach contains harsh oxidizing agents that hair-color remover does not. Marisa Petrarca, Allure, 2 Mar. 2023 Another group exposed nanotubes to sulfuric acid and potassium permanganate, a strong oxidizing agent, which strained the carbon bonds and caused the tubes to unzip lengthwise, as shown here. Discover Magazine, 29 June 2010 Once a missile appears to be fueled, analysts assume it will be launched within three to four days because a corrosive oxidizing agent in the fuel could cause a leak if the delay exceeds that. Alastair Gale, WSJ, 27 May 2022 In a rocket engine, chamber pressure refers to the amount of fuel and oxidizing agent that can be mixed and ignited, which then generates thrust to lift the rocket. Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 14 Feb. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1814, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oxidizing agent was in 1814

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Cite this Entry

“Oxidizing agent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oxidizing%20agent. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

Medical Definition

oxidizing agent

noun
: a substance that oxidizes something especially chemically (as by accepting electrons)

called also oxidant

compare reducing agent

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