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Definition of "antioxidant" []

  • A chemical compound or substance that inhibits oxidation. (noun)
  • A substance, such as vitamin E, vitamin C, or beta carotene, thought to protect body cells from the damaging effects of oxidation. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "antioxidant" in a sentence
  • "Today the term antioxidant usually encompasses vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene and other related carotenoids, as well as the minerals selenium and manganese, which are needed by several free-radical-destroying enzymes in order to work properly."
  • "Basically the term antioxidant refers to substance that will help to slow or halt the oxidation process."
  • "The use of the term antioxidant continues to grow, however, and attempts by marketers to up their claims are drawing on results from tests of 'antioxidant activity'."