oxygenate

1 of 2

verb

ox·​y·​gen·​ate ˈäk-si-jə-ˌnāt  äk-ˈsi-jə- 

oxygenated; oxygenating

transitive verb

: to impregnate, combine, or supply (something, such as blood) with oxygen

oxygenation

ˌäk-si-jə-ˈnā-shən 

äk-ˌsi-jə-

noun

oxygenate

2 of 2

noun

: an oxygen-containing substance (such as ethanol) used especially in gasoline to promote more complete combustion

Examples of oxygenate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Rays, on the other hand, are essential for mixing and oxygenating sediments, which influences marine productivity and helps store carbon—functions that are becoming increasingly disrupted as their populations shrink. —Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

Even friends who don’t enjoy wine will get a kick out of watching grape juice twirl through the double spirals, which serve to decant the wine while oxygenating it, resulting in fuller flavors and aromas. —Sophie Dodd, Bon Appétit, 10 Dec. 2024

Noun

The summer blend is about 20 to 25 cents per gallon more expensive than winter blends because of the oxygenates required in the fuel. —Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Mar. 2024

To reduce smog, the summer blend is about 20 to 25 cents per gallon more expensive than winter blends because of the oxygenates required in the fuel, and refineries have to briefly shut down before processing it. —Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Jan. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1788, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1958, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

oxygenate

verb

ox·​y·​gen·​ate

ˈäk-si-jə-ˌnāt,

äk-ˈsij-ə-

oxygenated; oxygenating

: to combine or supply with oxygen

oxygenation

ˌäk-si-jə-ˈnā-shən

äk-ˌsij-ə-

noun

Medical Definition

oxygenate

transitive verb

ox·​y·​gen·​ate ˈäk-si-jə-ˌnāt  äk-ˈsij-ə- 

oxygenated; oxygenating

: to impregnate, combine, or supply with oxygen

oxygenated blood

better to oxygenate the patient first

—Anesthesia Digest

oxygenation

ˌäk-si-jə-ˈnā-shən, äk-ˌsij-ə- 

noun