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

Exposure to air, light, and heat can lead to the breakdown or oxidation of the ingredients, altering the scent and potentially causing skin irritation. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025

Flax Oil Flax oil is highly nutritious but also has a low smoke point, which can lead to oxidation and bitterness when heated. —Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 5 May 2025

Physician and nutrition specialist Dr. Michael Greger, author of the books How Not to Diet and How Not to Die, studied strategies for slowing aging and found that combatting many aging pathways, such as inflammation, oxidation and cellular aging, could be approached via diet. —Michael Greger, Flow Space, 24 Apr. 2025

Adding small amounts of the mineral can improve the resistance to high temperatures and oxidation, helpful for metals used to make magnets, electronic components and data storage disks. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2025

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