Definition

1. Noun:
   • A substance that inhibits or slows down oxidation, a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals and lead to chain reactions that may damage cells. Antioxidants often work by donating an electron to stabilize free radicals without becoming destabilized themselves.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant found in citrus fruits.
  • The study examined the antioxidant properties of green tea.
  • Many skincare products contain antioxidants to protect the skin from environmental damage.

Advanced Usage

• "Antioxidant activity/capacity": Refers to the measurable ability of a substance to neutralize oxidants.
  • Scientists tested the berry extract for its antioxidant activity.
• "Antioxidant defense system": Refers to the network of antioxidants within an organism.
  • The body's natural antioxidant defense system helps combat oxidative stress.

Variants and Related Words

• Antioxidative (adjective): Having the properties of an antioxidant.
  • The compound showed strong antioxidative effects in the lab.
• Pro-oxidant (noun): A substance that can induce oxidative stress, often the opposite effect of an antioxidant under certain conditions.

Synonyms

• Free radical scavenger: A term often used interchangeably in biology and nutrition to describe a substance that neutralizes free radicals.
• Oxidation inhibitor: A more technical term describing the same function.

Related Phrases and Compounds

• Antioxidant vitamin: A vitamin that acts as an antioxidant, such as Vitamins C and E.
  • Nuts are a good source of antioxidant vitamins.
• Dietary antioxidant: An antioxidant obtained through food consumption.
  • Increasing your intake of dietary antioxidants is generally recommended.

Noun

1. substance that inhibits oxidation or inhibits reactions promoted by oxygen or peroxides