autoxidizable
|au-to-ox-i-di-za-ble|
🇺🇸
/ˌɔːtoʊˌɑksəˈdaɪzəbl/
🇬🇧
/ˌɔːtəʊˌɒksɪˈdaɪzəb(ə)l/
capable of self-oxidation
Etymology
'autoxidizable' originates from Modern English, specifically formed from the prefix 'auto-' (from Greek 'autos' meaning 'self') + 'oxidize' (from French/Latin roots relating to 'oxide'/'oxygen').
'autoxidizable' was formed in modern chemical English by combining 'auto-' + 'oxidizable'; a closely related British spelling is 'autoxidisable' (with -s-). The verb 'oxidize' comes via French forms from Latin/Greek elements related to 'oxys' (meaning 'sharp' or 'acid') and the term 'oxide'.
Initially the elements meant 'self' (auto-) and 'produce/relate to oxide' (oxidize); the combined modern adjective specifically denotes 'capable of being oxidized by oxygen without added catalyst' and, in applied contexts, 'prone to oxidative degradation'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
capable of undergoing autoxidation — i.e., able to be oxidized by molecular oxygen without an external catalyst under ambient or mild conditions.
The polymer was autoxidizable and began to yellow after several months of storage.
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Adjective 2
in applied chemistry (e.g., oils, polymers), prone to slow oxidative degradation or crosslinking on exposure to air (a practical, often detrimental property).
Autoxidizable drying oils form films by oxygen-induced polymerization, which is useful in some paints but causes spoilage in others.
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Last updated: 2025/11/29 18:10