verb
reduce
To gain electrons or remove oxygen in a chemical reaction.
The reaction reduces the metal oxide.
Etymology
The parts mean leading back. Early chemical reduction often restored metal from its compound; the concept broadened to removal of oxygen and, more generally, gain of electrons.
More examples
- The compound was reduced by gaining electrons.
- Carbon can reduce some metal oxides during heating.
- The experiment showed which substance had been reduced.
Forms
reduce · reduces · reduced · reducing
reduction noun — a chemical gain of electrons
Similar words
- oxidize
- The contrasting process involving electron loss.