Category:Oxidize

Ox"i*dize, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Oxidized; p. pr. & vb. n. Oxidizing.] (chem.)

Defn: to combine with oxygen, or subject to the action of oxygen, or Of an oxidizing agent. Specifically: (a) to combine with oxygen or with more oxygen; to add oxygen to; as, To oxidize nitrous acid so as to form nitric acid. (b) to remove hydrogen from (anything), as by the action of oxygen; As, to oxidize alcohol so as to form aldehyde. (c) to subject to the action of oxygen or of an oxidizing agent, so As to bring to a higher grade, as an -ous compound to an -ic Compound; as, to oxidize mercurous chloride to mercuric chloride.

Note: in certain cases to oxidize is identical with to acidify; for, In nearly all cases, the more oxygen a substance contains the more Nearly does it approximate to acid qualities; thus, by oxidation many Elements, as sulphur, nitrogen, carbon, chromium, manganese, etc., Pass into compounds which are acid anhydrides, and thus practically In the acid state.