antioxidant

noun

an·​ti·​ox·​i·​dant ˌan-tē-ˈäk-sə-dənt 

ˌan-ˌtī-

: a substance (such as beta-carotene or vitamin C) that inhibits oxidation or reactions promoted by oxygen, peroxides, or free radicals

antioxidant adjective

Examples of antioxidant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Thanks to its high dose of anti-inflammatory antioxidants and apparent anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, elderberry juice appears to boost the immune system. —Jeanne Ballion, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2025

MnSOD protects against oxidative stress, an imbalance between antioxidants and harmful free radicals. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 5 Feb. 2025

Honey is a natural liquid sweetener that is considered healthy because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 5 Feb. 2025

Additionally, using skin care products with antioxidants like vitamin C, coenzyme Q10, and green tea can help reduce oxidative stress and support healthy skin. —Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

antioxidant

noun

an·​ti·​ox·​i·​dant ˌant-ē-ˈäk-səd-ənt 

ˌan-ˌtī-

: a substance that opposes oxidation or prevents or makes difficult reactions made easier by oxygen

Medical Definition

antioxidant

noun

an·​ti·​ox·​i·​dant ˌant-ē-ˈäk-səd-ənt, ˌan-ˌtī- 

: any of various substances (as beta-carotene, vitamin C, and alpha-tocopherol) that inhibit oxidation or reactions promoted by oxygen and peroxides and that include many held to protect the living body from the deleterious effects of free radicals

antioxidant adjective