/an'tee ok"si deuhnt, an'tuy-/ , n.
1. Chem. any substance that inhibits oxidation, as a substance that inhibits oxidative deterioration of gasoline, rubbers, plastics, soaps, etc.
2. Biochem. an enzyme or other organic substance, as vitamin E or beta carotene, that is capable of counteracting the damaging effects of oxidation in animal tissues.
adj.
3. Chem. of or pertaining to an antioxidant.
[ 1925-30; ANTI- + oxidant (OXID(IZE) + -ANT) ]