Word
oxidative
Phoneticsox·ida·tive
US/ˌɑksəˈdaɪtɪv/
UK/ˈɒksɪdətˌɪv/
Definition
adj. relating to a chemical process where a substance loses electrons, often by combining with oxygen. It is frequently used to describe how cells get energy or how materials like metal break down.
adj. pertaining to or involving oxidation, specifically the loss of electrons by a molecule, atom, or ion. Often describes metabolic processes or chemical degradation.
Examples
“Oxidative stress can damage cells over time.”
“The body uses oxidative metabolism to convert nutrients into energy while releasing carbon dioxide as a byproduct.”
“Researchers are investigating how oxidative damage to DNA contributes to the aging process and the development of chronic diseases in elderly populations.”
Examples
simple
“Oxidative stress can damage cells over time.”
contextual
“The body uses oxidative metabolism to convert nutrients into energy while releasing carbon dioxide as a byproduct.”
complex
“Researchers are investigating how oxidative damage to DNA contributes to the aging process and the development of chronic diseases in elderly populations.”
Usage
Typically used in scientific or medical contexts; often precedes nouns like 'stress', 'damage', or 'metabolism'.
Real-World Examples
“By mimicking the conditions that lead to the drying and rehydration of MTb in the laboratory, the team showed that desiccation causes oxidative stress in the bacteria, leading to DNA damage.” “It consumes oxygen and activates distinct responses to oxidative stress and DNA damage, supporting persistence in the respiratory tract.” Etymology
From oxide + -ative or oxidate + -ive.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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englishreference.com/q/oxidative