oxidation

noun

ox·​i·​da·​tion ˌäk-sə-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce oxidation (audio)
1
: the act or process of oxidizing
2
: the state or result of being oxidized
oxidative adjective
oxidatively adverb

Examples of oxidation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Scientists analyzing the image said the area's distinctive reddish hue signals vast oxidation of sedimentary layers caused by extreme climate swings during the Triassic Period, when North America was still part of the supercontinent Pangaea. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025 Preservatives From a food chemistry perspective, a preservative is a substance added to food to prevent either microbial growth or oxidation. Ali Bouzari, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025 Green Tea Green tea leaves experience little to no oxidation, which accounts for their light color and bright flavor. Oset Babür-Winter, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 May 2025 The other ingredients mentioned on the packaging include beef and cherry powder (the latter reportedly helps delay oxidation and extend shelf life). Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for oxidation

Word History

Etymology

French, from oxider, oxyder to oxidize, from oxide

First Known Use

1745, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of oxidation was in 1745

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Oxidation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oxidation. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

oxidation

noun
ox·​i·​da·​tion ˌäk-sə-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce oxidation (audio)
1
: the process of oxidizing
2
: the state or result of being oxidized
oxidative adjective

Medical Definition

oxidation

noun
ox·​i·​da·​tion ˌäk-sə-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce oxidation (audio)
1
: the act or process of oxidizing
2
: the state or result of being oxidized

More from Merriam-Webster on oxidation

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