Meaning & use
oxidation
Last updated
a chemical reaction in which a substance combines with oxygen or loses electrons, often causing rust or decay.
See it in a sentence
Rust on the old fence is a result of oxidation.
Antioxidants help protect cells from the effects of oxidation.
A note on using this word
In chemistry, oxidation always occurs alongside 'reduction' — the two reactions are known together as redox reactions.
Words with a similar meaning
rusting
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
reduction
Make it your own
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