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

Tropical Belizean conditions accelerate extraction and oxidation compared with continental aging, yielding a flavorful, concentrated rum. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026

Green tea undergoes minimal oxidation, resulting in its fresh taste, while black tea is fully oxidized, producing a bolder flavor. —Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 12 May 2026

Instead, the cold simply slows oxidation and the breakdown of natural oils that can cause flour to go rancid. —Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 11 May 2026

In subsequent experiments Rosenberg discovered that this effect was due to the presence of cisplatin, a product formed by electrochemical oxidation of platinum electrodes immersed in a nutrient medium that contained ammonium chloride as a pH buffer. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026

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