What does peroxidise mean?
Peroxidise is a verb that refers to the process of causing or undergoing oxidation by the addition of an oxygen atom, resulting in the formation of a peroxide. This process is often catalysed by enzymes, such as catalase, which peroxidise hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. The term peroxidise is formal or technical, and is not commonly used in everyday language. However, it is an important concept in chemistry and biology, and is used to describe a range of reactions and processes. Understanding peroxidise is essential for anyone working in these fields, and can provide valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of chemical and biological reactions.
verbTo cause or undergo oxidation by the addition of an oxygen atom, often resulting in the formation of a peroxide.
- To cause or undergo oxidation by the addition of an oxygen atom, often resulting in the formation of a peroxide.
"The enzyme catalase peroxidises hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen."
"The enzyme catalase peroxidises hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen."
"The reaction peroxidises the organic compound, resulting in a stable peroxide."
The plural form peroxidises is used to describe multiple instances of the process of peroxidisation.
"The enzyme catalase peroxidises multiple molecules of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of peroxidise
The word peroxidise is derived from the prefix per-, meaning 'through', and the verb oxidise, which refers to the process of losing electrons and gaining oxygen. The term peroxidise was first used in the late 19th century to describe the process of oxidation by oxygen, and has since been widely adopted in chemistry and biology.
How peroxidise is actually used
Peroxidise is a formal or technical term, often used in chemistry and biology. It is not commonly used in everyday language.