Deoxidant

/ˌdiːˈɒksɪdənt/ noun

Definition

A substance that removes oxygen from another substance or prevents oxidation from occurring.

Etymology

From de- (remove) + oxidant (from oxygen + -ant). This chemistry term emerged in the 19th century as chemists developed systematic vocabulary for substances that reverse oxidation reactions.

Kelly Says

Deoxidants are secretly doing important work everywhere—when metals rust or food goes rancid, deoxidants like sulfites or ascorbic acid are what food companies add to slow down these processes and keep products fresh longer.

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