ˈäksəˌdīz verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: oxide + -ize
transitive verb
1.
a. : to combine with oxygen or with more oxygen
oxidize copper to copper oxide
: add oxygen chemically to (a substance) often by means of a series of reactions
glucose is oxidized to carbon dioxide and water with the release of energy during the metabolism of carbohydrates
— compare oxygenate
b. : to dehydrogenate especially by the action of oxygen or other oxidizing agent
oxidize an alcohol to an aldehyde
c. : to change (a compound) by increasing the proportion of the electronegative part
oxidize copper (I) chloride to copper (II) chloride
: change (an element or ion) from a lower to a higher oxidation state
in electrolysis … ferrous ions are oxidized to ferric ions at the anode — Farrington Daniels & R.A.Alberty
: remove one or more electrons from (an atom, ion, or molecule)
oxidize metallic copper to ionic copper
— opposed to reduce
2. : to produce on (a metallic surface) a decorative film usually of a compound (as a sulfide)
intransitive verb
: to become oxidized ; specifically : rust 1