OXIDIZE

v. (also -ise) 1 intr. & tr. combine or cause to combine with oxygen. 2 tr. & intr. cover (metal) or (of metal) become covered with a coating of oxide; make or become rusty. 3 intr. & tr. undergo or cause to undergo a loss of electrons. oxidized silver the popular name for silver covered with a dark coat of silver sulphide. oxidizing agent Chem. a substance that brings about oxidation by being reduced and gaining electrons. oxidizable adj. oxidization n. oxidizer n.