oxidation

[ˌɒksɪˈdeɪʃ(ə)n]

oxidation Definition

• 1. the process or result of oxidizing a substance or of being oxidized, especially the combination of oxygen with other elements to form an oxide
• 2. the process of losing electrons or increasing the oxidation state of an element

Using oxidation: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "oxidation" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The metal undergoes oxidation when it is exposed to air.

• Example

  The rust on the car is a result of oxidation.

• Example

  Oxidation is an important chemical reaction in the human body.

oxidation Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for oxidation

• rusting
• corrosion
• burning
• combustion

Phrases with oxidation

• oxidation state

  a measure of the degree of oxidation of an atom in a substance

  Example

  The oxidation state of carbon in carbon dioxide is +4.

• oxidation-reduction reaction

  a chemical reaction that involves the transfer of electrons between two species

  Example

  The combustion of gasoline in a car engine is an example of an oxidation-reduction reaction.

• oxidation number

  a number assigned to an element in a compound that represents the number of electrons lost or gained by the element in the compound

  Example

  The oxidation number of chlorine in sodium chloride is -1.

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Summary: oxidation in Brief

Oxidation [ˌɒksɪˈdeɪʃ(ə)n] is the process of combining oxygen with other elements to form an oxide, or the process of losing electrons. It is a chemical reaction that can occur naturally, as in rusting, or artificially, as in combustion. Oxidation is also an important process in the human body. Examples include 'The metal undergoes oxidation when it is exposed to air.' and 'Oxidation is an important chemical reaction in the human body.'