antioxidant
antioxidant [PHYS CHEM] A substance that, when present at a lower concentration than
that of the oxidizable substrate, significantly inhibits or delays oxidative processes,
while being itself oxidized. In primary antioxidants, antioxidative activity is implemented
by the donation of an electron or hydrogen atom to a radical derivative,
and in secondary antioxidants by the removal of an oxidative catalyst and the
consequent prevention of the initiation of oxidation. Antioxidants are used in polymers
to prevent degradation, and in foods, beverages, and cosmetic products to
inhibit deterioration and spoilage. { an te¯ a¨ k sə dənt }
that of the oxidizable substrate, significantly inhibits or delays oxidative processes,
while being itself oxidized. In primary antioxidants, antioxidative activity is implemented
by the donation of an electron or hydrogen atom to a radical derivative,
and in secondary antioxidants by the removal of an oxidative catalyst and the
consequent prevention of the initiation of oxidation. Antioxidants are used in polymers
to prevent degradation, and in foods, beverages, and cosmetic products to
inhibit deterioration and spoilage. { an te¯ a¨ k sə dənt }