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
ˈäk-sə-ˌdā-tiv How to pronounce oxidation (audio)
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.
Once opened, the oxidation process begins, making the flavor less fresh and more acidic over time. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2026 Following oxidation, sulfur was no longer detectable in the bulk elemental analysis and nitrogen had fallen to a negligible trace. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026 Rinsing hair before and immediately after swimming, and even wearing a swim cap to protect light hair from oxidation, can be your best defense against accidentally going green. — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 22 Aug. 2026 This method addresses discoloration caused by UV exposure or oxidation. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 19 Aug. 2026 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

Phrases Containing oxidation

Rhymes for oxidation

See All Rhymes for oxidation

Browse Nearby Words

oxidasic
oxidation
oxidation base
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Oxidation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oxidation. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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
ˈäk-sə-ˌdāt-iv How to pronounce oxidation (audio)
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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oxidation

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