Origin: Latin suffix -tion
Oxidation has 2 different meanings across 1 category:
the process of oxidizing; the addition of oxygen to a compound with a loss of electrons; always occurs accompanied by reduction
"The rusting of iron is an oxidation process where oxygen combines with the metal, causing it to lose electrons while simultaneously reducing another substance."
The combination of a substance with oxygen.
"The iron railing began to rust after years of exposure to oxidation from rain and air."
In plain English: Oxidation is when something loses electrons during a chemical reaction, often causing it to rust or burn.
"The iron fence began to rust due to oxidation after being left in the rain all summer long."
Usage: While often used interchangeably in casual conversation, strictly speaking, oxidation refers to the chemical process rather than just any reaction involving air or rusting. Avoid using it as a verb; instead, use "to oxidize" when describing the action.
The word oxidation comes from the French term oxydation, which combines the root for oxide with a suffix indicating an action or process. It entered English through this French form rather than being constructed directly from its component parts in English.