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Definition of oxidation

oxidation

/ˌɑːk.səˈdeɪ.ʃən/
ox · i · da · tion
Adverb:oxidatively
•
Plural:oxidations
•
Adjective:oxidative
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oxidation Lexical Profile

oxidation Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The chemical process or reaction of combining a substance with oxygen, often resulting in the formation of an oxide such as rust or tarnish.

Example

"Slicing the apple and leaving it exposed to the air caused rapid oxidation that turned the flesh brown."

2

A chemical reaction in which an atom, molecule, or ion loses one or more electrons, resulting in an increase in its oxidation state.

Example

"In an electrochemical cell, oxidation always occurs at the anode while reduction takes place at the cathode."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for oxidation

• Nearby Words

oxcart
oxeye daisy
oxford
oxidation
oxide
oxidization
oximeter

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 18th century from French oxydation, coined by Antoine Lavoisier and his colleagues from oxyde ('oxide'), ultimately from Ancient Greek oxys ('sharp' or 'acid').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Oxidation. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/oxidation
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