oxidation
5 synonyms and 1 antonym for oxidation, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A chemical reaction in which a substance loses electrons; in everyday terms, the reaction of a material with oxygen, as when iron rusts or a cut apple browns.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use oxidation
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
prevent oxidation
oxidation state
oxidation and reduction
signs of oxidation
Technical in chemistry, but everyday in cooking, wine and skincare contexts.
Etymology
From oxide, coined in French from Greek oxys 'sharp, acid' and the ending of acide, plus the noun ending -ation. Oxygen was originally named as the supposed acid-forming element.
Full origin of oxidation →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between oxidation and reduction?
Oxidation is the loss of electrons and reduction is the gain of them. They always happen together, since the electrons one substance loses another must gain, which is why the pair is called a redox reaction. The mnemonic is OIL RIG: oxidation is loss, reduction is gain.
Does oxidation always involve oxygen?
No. Oxygen is the commonest oxidising agent and gave the process its name, but the modern definition is purely about losing electrons. Iron reacting with chlorine is oxidation with no oxygen present at all.
Why do cut apples go brown?
Enzymes in the flesh react with oxygen in the air and produce brown pigments. Acid such as lemon juice slows the enzyme, and so does keeping the surface away from air with water or wrapping.
