ox|i|dize

ox|i|dize «OK suh dyz», verb, -dized, -diz|ing.

–v.t.

1. to combine with oxygen; make into an oxide. When a substance burns or rusts, it is oxidized. »

Water oxidizes some metals, producing rust. The normal liver of the rat utilized acetic acid to synthesize fatty acids and oxidized (burned) it to carbon dioxide and water (New York Times).

2. to cause to rust.

3. to cause to lose hydrogen by the action of oxygen; dehydrogenate.

4. to change (the atoms or ions) to a higher positive valence by loss of electrons.

–v.i.

to become oxidized: »

Fuel oxidizes rapidly, producing heat. Iron oxidizes in water.

Also, especially British, oxidise.