oxidation
- 01 C1 Advanced
the process of a substance joining with oxygen, which can cause things like metal to rust or fruit to turn brown.
the chemical combination of a substance with oxygen. Often used in contexts describing corrosion or organic decay.
Simple“The oxidation of the iron gate caused it to turn orange and crumble over time.”
In context“Atmospheric oxidation is the primary cause of structural degradation in unprotected steel bridges exposed to coastal air.”
UsageOften functions as an uncountable noun when describing the general process.
- 02 C1 Advanced
a chemical reaction where an atom or molecule loses electrons.
a reaction in which the atoms of an element lose electrons, resulting in an increase in the oxidation state.
Simple“In this battery, oxidation happens at the negative side to create an electric current.”
In context“The researcher monitored the oxidation of the zinc electrode to determine the efficiency of the electrochemical cell.”
UsageFrequently paired with 'reduction' in the portmanteau 'redox' to describe simultaneous electron transfer.
Antonyms
“In this type of packaging, the ratios of oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen are adjusted to slow oxidation.”
“Together, these features help balance the different reaction speeds of oxygen reduction and water oxidation, two half-reactions that must work together during hydrogen peroxide production.”
From French oxydation, equivalent to oxide + -ation. See oxidate.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.