Definition: Antioxidant

From New World Encyclopedia

Etymology

anti- (prefix meaning against) + oxidant (a substance that receives electrons from another).

Noun

antioxidant (plural antioxidants)

  1. Any substance that acts to slow or prevent the oxidation of another chemical.
  2. (nutrition) One of a group of vitamins that act against the effects of free radicals.

Adjective

antioxidant (not comparable)

  1. Acting or having agents that act against oxidation.

Derived terms

  • coantioxidant
  • nonantioxidant
  • superantioxidant

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