1. relating to or involving oxidation, especially the chemical process in which a substance combines with oxygen or loses electrons
Usage: scientific; chemistry
2. relating to cellular processes that use oxygen to produce energy from nutrients
Usage: biology; biochemistry

Examples

• The metal underwent oxidative corrosion when exposed to air.
• Oxidative stress can damage cells in the human body.
• The laboratory studied oxidative reactions in various compounds.
• Antioxidants help protect against oxidative damage.
• Oxidative metabolism requires oxygen to function properly.
• The researcher measured oxidative enzyme activity in the samples.