Oxidize
/ˈɑːksɪdaɪz/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
verbTo combine with oxygen and change chemically, often causing rust.
Extra definitions
verbCause a substance to lose electrons.
verbChange through exposure to air.
verbTo combine with oxygen or otherwise make an oxide.
Sentence Examples
Iron will oxidize and form rust.
Air can oxidize exposed metal.
The apple began to oxidize.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
None
Antonyms:
None
Word Origin & History
Ancient Greek -ῐ́ζω (-ĭ́zō)bor.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
“Oxygen levels on Earth skyrocketed 2.4 billion years ago, when cyanobacteria evolved photosynthesis:[…]. The evolutionary precursor of photosynthesis is still under debate, and a new study sheds light. The critical component of the photosynthetic system is the “water-oxidizing complex”, made up of manganese atoms and a calcium atom.”
— 2013 September-October, Katie L. Burke, “In the News”, in American Scientist:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
Iron will ____ and form rust.