[ok-si-dahyz] Chemistry.
verb (used with object), oxidized, oxidizing.
to convert (an element) into an oxide; combine with oxygen.
to cover with a coating of oxide or rust.
to take away hydrogen, as by the action of oxygen; add oxygen or any nonmetal.
to remove electrons from (an atom or molecule), thereby increasing the valence. Compare reduce ( def 12 ).
verb (used without object), oxidized, oxidizing.
to become oxidized.
(especially of white wine) to lose freshness after prolonged exposure to air and often to darken in color.
Also, especially British, oxidise.

1795–1805; oxide + -ize

oxidizable, oxidable [ok-si-duh-buhl] , adjective
oxidizability, noun
antioxidizing, adjective
half-oxidized, adjective
nonoxidizable, adjective
nonoxidizing, adjective
overoxidize, verb, overoxidized, overoxidizing.
reoxidize, verb, reoxidized, reoxidizing.
underoxidize, verb (used with object), underoxidized, underoxidizing.
unoxidizable, adjective
unoxidized, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
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World English Dictionary
oxidize or oxidise (ˈɒksɪˌdaɪz)
1.  to undergo or cause to undergo a chemical reaction with oxygen, as in formation of an oxide
2.  to form or cause to form a layer of metal oxide, as in rusting
3.  to lose or cause to lose hydrogen atoms
4.  Compare reduce to undergo or cause to undergo a decrease in the number of electrons
oxidise or oxidise
oxidi'zation or oxidise
oxidi'sation or oxidise

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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Word Origin & History

1802 (implied in oxidizable), from oxide + -ize. Related: Oxidized; oxidizing.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Medical Dictionary

oxidize ox·i·dize (ŏk'sĭ-dīz')
v. ox·i·dized, ox·i·diz·ing, ox·i·diz·es

  1. To combine with oxygen; change into an oxide.

  2. To increase the positive charge or valence of an element by removing electrons.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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American Heritage
Science Dictionary
oxidize   (ŏk'sĭ-dīz')  Pronunciation Key 
To undergo or cause to undergo oxidation.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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Example sentences
When the zinc oxidized, it reacted with a cathode and the copper was reduced.
By several hours later, oxygen is no longer detectable because it has already
  oxidized some of those aromatic volatiles.
The electrode materials, usually oxidized metals, change color when an ion such
  as lithium moves into and out of them.
The reason why mitochondrial symbionts can make the necessary simplified energy
  plants for eukaryotes is an oxidized atmosphere.
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