autoxidation

noun

au·​tox·​i·​da·​tion ȯ-ˌtäk-sə-ˈdā-shən 

: oxidation by direct combination with oxygen (as in air) at ordinary temperatures

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Autoxydation (now Autoxidation), from aut- aut- + Oxydation oxidation

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

autoxidation

noun

au·​tox·​i·​da·​tion ȯ-ˌtäk-sə-ˈdā-shən 

variants also auto-oxidation

ˌȯt-ō-ˌäk-sə-ˈdā-shən 

: oxidation by direct combination with oxygen (as in air) at ordinary temperatures

the rancidity of fats and oils is caused by autoxidation