Dictionary
ox•i•dize
Pronunciation: (ok'si-dīz"), [key]
—v., -dized, -diz•ing.
Chem.
—
v.t.
1. to convert (an element) into an oxide; combine with oxygen.
2. to cover with a coating of oxide or rust.
3. to take away hydrogen, as by the action of oxygen; add oxygen or any nonmetal.
4. to remove electrons from (an atom or molecule), thereby increasing the valence. Cf.
reduce (def. 12).
—
v.i.
1. to become oxidized.
2. (esp. of white wine) to lose freshness after prolonged exposure to air and often to darken in color.
Also, esp. Brit.,ox'i•dise".Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.