oxidize

This term describes a chemical process of degradation or transformation. In common parlance, it is most frequently associated with the visible decay of metals, such as the formation of rust on iron or tarnish on silver, evoking a sense of gradual wear and environmental erosion. In a technical scientific context, the meaning expands beyond oxygen. It refers to the loss of electrons during a reaction, making it a fundamental concept in electrochemistry and cellular respiration. This broader application removes the requirement for oxygen to be physically present in the reaction.