What does oxidising mean?
Oxidising is the British-English spelling of the present participle of “oxidise,” meaning to undergo oxidation or to cause oxidation. A substance that is oxidising is reacting with oxygen or undergoing a related chemical change involving the transfer of electrons. The process is responsible for familiar changes such as iron rusting, silver tarnishing and cut fruit turning brown. In technical contexts, an “oxidising agent” accepts electrons from another substance and is itself reduced. The word is also used as an adjective to describe a substance, environment or reaction with oxidising properties. American English normally uses the spelling “oxidizing,” although both regional forms are widely understood. Because oxidation can refer to more than simple contact with oxygen, the term is especially important in chemistry and environmental science.
To undergo oxidation, especially by combining with oxygen.
"Copper oxidises when exposed to air and moisture."
Often used in technical contexts; American English uses “oxidizing.”
Having the capacity or tendency to cause or undergo oxidation.
"Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidising agent."
Common as the first element of technical compounds such as “oxidising agent” and “oxidising environment.”
Oxidising is the same chemical process responsible for rust forming on iron.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does oxidising come from?
The word belongs to a family formed from the Greek-derived name “oxygen,” itself composed of Greek roots meaning “acid” and “producer,” originally referring to the acid-forming gas generated by heating certain compounds. Latin “oxydum” or “oxidum” was used for a substance formed by combining a metal with oxygen. English later developed “oxide” and “oxidize,” with the corresponding present-participle form “oxidising.”
Related word forms
How oxidising is actually used
In British usage, “-ise” is standard, while “-ize” is standard in American usage. The word is also used attributively, especially in technical phrases such as “oxidising agent.”