Definition of: oxidize

(ok′sə·dīz) v. ·dized, ·diz·ing v.t. Chem.
1. To unite with oxygen; cause the oxidation of; rust.
2. To add an electronegative element or radical to, or to decrease by an electropositive element or radical.
3. To remove electrons from (an element or compound).
4. To change (an element) to a higher valence: to oxidize ferrous iron to ferric iron.
—v.i.
5. Chem. To become oxidized. Also Brit. ox′i·dise.
—ox′i·diz′a·ble adjective