oxidize

[ ok-si-dahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, ox·i·dized, ox·i·diz·ing.

1. to convert (an element) into an oxide; combine with oxygen.
2. to cover with a coating of oxide or rust.
3. to take away hydrogen, as by the action of oxygen; add oxygen or any nonmetal.
4. to remove electrons from (an atom or molecule), thereby increasing the valence. Compare reduce ( def 12 ).

verb (used without object)

, ox·i·dized, ox·i·diz·ing.

1. to become oxidized.
2. (especially of white wine) to lose freshness after prolonged exposure to air and often to darken in color.

oxidize

/ ˈɒksɪˌdaɪz /

verb

1. to undergo or cause to undergo a chemical reaction with oxygen, as in formation of an oxide
2. to form or cause to form a layer of metal oxide, as in rusting
3. to lose or cause to lose hydrogen atoms
4. to undergo or cause to undergo a decrease in the number of electrons Compare reduce

oxidize

/ ŏk′sĭ-dīz′ /

1. To undergo or cause to undergo oxidation.

Derived Forms

• ˌoxidiˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• oxi·diza·ble ox·i·da·ble [ok, -si-d, uh, -b, uh, l], adjective
• oxi·diza·bili·ty noun
• anti·oxi·dizing adjective
• half-oxi·dized adjective
• non·oxi·diza·ble adjective
• non·oxi·dizing adjective
• over·oxi·dize verb overoxidized overoxidizing
• re·oxi·dize verb reoxidized reoxidizing
• under·oxi·dize verb (used with object) underoxidized underoxidizing
• un·oxi·diza·ble adjective
• un·oxi·dized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of oxidize¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; oxide + -ize

Example Sentences

This process poses challenges including selective addition of bromine at the ortho position, difficulty working with certain chemical groups, and the tendency of o-bromobenzenethiols to oxidize easily in air releasing unpleasant odors.

From Science Daily

Exposure to air oxidizes the metal sulfides in bedrock, releasing the metals into groundwater, which flows into surface streams.

From Science Daily

Bella moths are able to avoid the ill effects of pyrrolizidine alkaloids by using a special enzyme that oxidizes the molecule, rendering it harmless.

From Science Daily

Outside the laboratory, other oxidizing pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, which cannot be tested in laboratory experiments because of their toxicity, can amplify the effect of ozone.

From Science Daily

There is evidence that these bacteria gain energy by reducing highly oxidized forms of sulfur to less oxidized ones.

From Science Daily