autoxidation

noun

au·​tox·​i·​da·​tion ȯ-ˌtäk-sə-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce autoxidation (audio)
: 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

Time Traveler
The first known use of autoxidation was in 1883

Dictionary Entries Near autoxidation

Cite this Entry

“Autoxidation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autoxidation. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

autoxidation

noun
au·​tox·​i·​da·​tion ȯ-ˌtäk-sə-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce autoxidation (audio)
variants also auto-oxidation
: oxidation by direct combination with oxygen (as in air) at ordinary temperatures
the rancidity of fats and oils is caused by autoxidation

More from Merriam-Webster on autoxidation

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!