Oxidize: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”ฅ
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oxidize

 

[ หˆษ’ksษชdaษชz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

chemistry

To undergo or cause to undergo a chemical reaction in which electrons are lost; to combine with oxygen.

Synonyms

corrode, rust, rusticate, tarnish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
oxidize

Same as 'oxidize' above. This seems to be a duplicate.

rust

Specifically refers to the reddish-brown substance that forms on iron and steel as a result of oxidation and corrosion. Used in everyday language.

  • The bike left outside in the rain began to rust.
  • We need to repaint the fence before it starts to rust.
corrode

Implies gradual destruction by a chemical reaction. Often used for metals and has a negative connotation.

  • The saltwater can corrode metal surfaces.
  • Acid rain can corrode buildings and monuments over time.
tarnish

Usually refers to the dulling or discoloration of a metal surface, often silver, due to exposure to air or moisture. Can also metaphorically mean to damage someone's reputation.

  • The silverware began to tarnish and needed polishing.
  • The scandal tarnished his reputation irreparably.
rusticate

Means to reside in the countryside or to suspend someone from a university temporarily, typically for disciplinary reasons. Not related to chemical reactions.

  • They decided to rusticate to enjoy a simpler life in the countryside.
  • He was rusticated from university for a semester.

Examples of usage

  • The iron in the car's bodywork had oxidized, resulting in the formation of rust.
  • When exposed to air, the copper wire oxidizes and turns green.
  • Oxidize the metal to create a protective layer against corrosion.
  • The apple slices quickly oxidized and turned brown.
  • After the fire, the metal fence had oxidized and lost its shiny appearance.

Translations

Translations of the word "oxidize" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น oxidar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค‘เค•เฅเคธเฅ€เค•เฅƒเคค เค•เคฐเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช oxidieren

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ mengoksidasi

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะพะบะธัะปัŽะฒะฐั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ utleniaฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้…ธๅŒ–ใ™ใ‚‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท oxyder

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ oxidar

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท oksitlenmek

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์‚ฐํ™”์‹œํ‚ค๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชุฃูƒุณุฏ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ oxidovat

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ oxidovaลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆฐงๅŒ–

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ oksidirati

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ oxast

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ะพั‚ั‹า“ัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒŸแƒแƒœแƒ’แƒ•แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ oksidlษ™ลŸdirmษ™k

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ oxidar

Etymology

The word 'oxidize' has its roots in the Latin word 'oxidare', which means 'to burn'. The term was first used in the field of chemistry in the 18th century to describe the process of combining a substance with oxygen. Over time, the term has become widely used in various scientific disciplines to refer to the process of a material losing electrons and combining with oxygen. The concept of oxidation has profound implications in chemistry, biology, and materials science, and continues to be a key area of research and study.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,543, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.