oxidize
/ˈɒk.sɪ.daɪz/ IELTSAcademic
verb
- 1.
To combine with oxygen, especially in a chemical reaction. In science, this can change a substance's properties.
- Iron can oxidize in damp air.
- The metal began to oxidize quickly.
- Heat helped the sample oxidize.
- 2.
To cause a substance or material to lose electrons in a chemical reaction. This is the wider scientific meaning.
- The chemical oxidizes the alcohol.
- Oxygen can oxidize many compounds.
- The process oxidizes the surface.
Adinary Nuance
Oxidize is the scientific term. It is more precise than everyday words like rust or spoil, which describe only some results of oxidation. In chemistry, oxidize can happen without visible oxygen or rust, so it is broader than people often think.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- ôxy hóa
- Spanish
- oxidar
- Chinese
- 氧化
- Japanese
- 酸化する
- Korean
- 산화하다
Etymology
From oxide + -ize, based on Greek oxys meaning “acid” or “sharp.” It entered English in the 19th century with modern chemistry.
Common phrases
oxidize metaloxidize in airoxidize rapidlyoxidize the surface
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is oxidize the same as rust?
- Not exactly. Rust is one kind of oxidation, usually for iron.
- Is oxidize a formal word?
- Yes. It is common in science, school books, and academic writing.
- Can oxidize be used outside chemistry?
- Yes, but it still usually describes a chemical process or change.