1 oxidation state | Definition of oxidation state

oxidation state

noun

Definition of oxidation state

: a positive or negative number that represents the effective charge of an atom or element and that indicates the extent or possibility of its oxidation the usual oxidation state of sodium is +1 and of oxygen −2

called also oxidation number

First Known Use of oxidation state

1928, in the meaning defined above

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on oxidation state

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oxidation state