noun

oxidation

/ˌɑːksɪˈdeɪʃən/ · say it: AHK·suh·DAY·shun

a reaction in which a substance loses electrons

In Science & Nature

In more detail

1. (noun) a chemical reaction in which a substance combines with oxygen or loses electrons

2. (noun) the process or result of being oxidized; the state of being oxidized

Examples

1. The oxidation of iron causes rust to form on metal surfaces.
2. Oxidation can occur quickly at high temperatures.

How to use oxidation

Oxidation is a fundamental concept in chemistry referring to the loss of electrons by a substance or its combination with oxygen, though in modern chemistry the electron-transfer definition is preferred. It occurs in contexts ranging from industrial chemistry and environmental science to biology (where oxidative stress damages cells) and everyday processes like rusting and browning of food. The term is more technical than its near-synonym corrosion, which typically refers to the deterioration of metals.

Common phrases

oxidation process
oxidation reaction
oxidative stress
prevent oxidation
undergo oxidation
rapid oxidation

Synonyms

oxidizing process · oxidative reaction · electron loss · corrosion · rusting

Opposites

reduction · deoxidation

Word family

oxidize (verb) · oxidized (adjective) · oxidizer (noun) · oxidative (adjective) · oxidant (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use oxidation as if it always involves oxygen, though the modern definition emphasizes electron loss, which can occur without oxygen being present.

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