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oxidize

verb [I or T] (UK usually oxidise)
 
 
/ˈɒk.sɪ.daɪz/ US  /ˈɑːk-/

Definition

If a substance oxidizes, it combines with oxygen and loses hydrogen to form another substance, and if something oxidizes a substance, it causes it to do this: Iron oxidizes to form rust. When you heat fat, it oxidizes easily.Physical and chemical processes If a chemical element oxidizes, it loses electrons (= very small pieces of matter with negative electrical charge) and if you oxidize it, you cause it to do this.Physical and chemical processes oxidization (UK usually oxidisation)
 
 
/ˌɒk.sɪ.daɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/ US  /ˌɑːk-/ noun [U] (US usually oxidation)
(Definition of oxidize verb from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

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