Word
oxidation
Phoneticsox·i·da·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɑksəˈdeɪʃən/
UK/ˌɒksɪdˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01combining with oxygen
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. the process of a substance joining with oxygen, which can cause things like metal to rust or fruit to turn brown.
n. the chemical combination of a substance with oxygen. Often used in contexts describing corrosion or organic decay.
“The oxidation of the iron gate caused it to turn orange and crumble over time.”
“Atmospheric oxidation is the primary cause of structural degradation in unprotected steel bridges exposed to coastal air.”
Usage
Often functions as an uncountable noun when describing the general process.
Antonyms
02loss of electrons
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. a chemical reaction where an atom or molecule loses electrons.
n. a reaction in which the atoms of an element lose electrons, resulting in an increase in the oxidation state.
“In this battery, oxidation happens at the negative side to create an electric current.”
“The researcher monitored the oxidation of the zinc electrode to determine the efficiency of the electrochemical cell.”
Usage
Frequently paired with 'reduction' in the portmanteau 'redox' to describe simultaneous electron transfer.
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“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.” Etymology
From French oxydation, equivalent to oxide + -ation. See oxidate.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/oxidation