Oxidize \Ox"i*dize\ ([o^]ks"[i^]*d[imac]z), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Oxidized} ([o^]ks"[i^]*d[imac]zd); p. pr. & vb. n. {Oxidizing}.] (Chem.) To combine with oxygen, or subject to the action of oxygen, or of an oxidizing agent. Specifically: (a) To combine with oxygen or with more oxygen; to add oxygen to; as, to oxidize nitrous acid so as to form nitric acid. (b) To remove hydrogen from (anything), as by the action of oxygen; as, to oxidize alcohol so as to form aldehyde. (c) To subject to the action of oxygen or of an oxidizing agent, so as to bring to a higher grade, as an -ous compound to an -ic compound; as, to oxidize mercurous chloride to mercuric chloride.
Note: In certain cases to oxidize is identical with to acidify; for, in nearly all cases, the more oxygen a substance contains the more nearly does it approximate to acid qualities; thus, by oxidation many elements, as sulphur, nitrogen, carbon, chromium, manganese, etc., pass into compounds which are acid anhydrides, and thus practically in the acid state.
Like garden tools or an old Chevy, hair can oxidize, redden and rust.
They chelate, or bond with, the metals so they can oxidize and drop out of the water.