# redox

CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/redox
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

a chemical process where one substance loses electrons and another gains them. This happens in many natural processes, like how batteries work or how your body breaks down food.

For teachers: a chemical reaction involving the transfer of electrons between two species, resulting in a change in their oxidation states. Often used as a shortened form of 'oxidation-reduction'.

## Examples

- The battery works through a redox reaction.
- In a redox reaction, the substance that loses electrons is oxidized, while the one that gains them is reduced.
- Understanding the specific redox potentials of different metals allows engineers to design more efficient electrochemical cells for renewable energy storage.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.