Verb: oxidize 'ók-si,dIz
- Enter into a combination with oxygen or become converted into an oxide
"This metal oxidizes easily";
- oxidise [Brit], oxidate
- (chemistry) add oxygen to or combine with oxygen
"The metal oxidized when exposed to air";
- oxidise [Brit], oxidate
- (chemistry) increase the valence (or the positive charge) of an element by removing electrons
"Oxygen can oxidize many metals";
- oxidise [Brit]
Derived forms: oxidized, oxidizes, oxidizing
Type of: alter, change, modify
Encyclopedia: Oxidize