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

Celery in particular is a great source of antioxidants that fight bacteria, viruses, and inflammation. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024

Aside from being a potent antioxidant, vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties that stave off discoloration, brown spots, and melasma. —Michelle Rostamian, Allure, 30 Dec. 2024

Blueberries For a sweet and tart serving of antioxidants, grab a handful of blueberries. —Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 30 Dec. 2024

Their anti-aging properties have been of particular interest to researchers, with studies in 2012, 2018, 2020 and more recently in 2023 reviewing the suite of antioxidants in these tiny packages, noting key compounds that are important for cell health and countering inflammation. —New Atlas, 30 Dec. 2024

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