antioxidant: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Semi-formal, Technical (Nutrition, Biochemistry, Health)
Quick answer
What does “antioxidant” mean?
A substance (natural or synthetic) that inhibits oxidation, especially one used to counteract the deterioration of stored food products or to remove potentially damaging oxidizing agents in a living organism.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A substance (natural or synthetic) that inhibits oxidation, especially one used to counteract the deterioration of stored food products or to remove potentially damaging oxidizing agents in a living organism.
Any compound, often found in food (like vitamins C and E), that can protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules linked to aging and various diseases.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical. Strongly associated with health, wellness, and food science in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in health-conscious and scientific discourse in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “antioxidant” in a Sentence
[be] rich in + antioxidant(s)[have] + antioxidant + properties[contain] + antioxidant(s)[act as] an antioxidant[function as] an antioxidantVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “antioxidant” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not standard. The verb is 'to act as an antioxidant'.]
American English
- [Not standard. The verb is 'to function as an antioxidant'.]
adverb
British English
- [Not used as an adverb.]
American English
- [Not used as an adverb.]
adjective
British English
- The study focused on the antioxidant potential of green tea.
- Look for skincare with antioxidant ingredients.
American English
- This formula provides powerful antioxidant protection.
- Antioxidant-rich foods should be part of your diet.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in marketing for food, beverages, skincare, and supplements (e.g., 'Our new juice is packed with antioxidants').
Academic
Central term in biochemistry, nutrition science, and food technology papers discussing oxidative stress, preservation, or phytochemicals.
Everyday
Common in discussions about healthy eating, superfoods, and anti-aging products (e.g., 'Blueberries are full of antioxidants').
Technical
Precise reference to specific molecules (e.g., glutathione, beta-carotene) that donate electrons to neutralize free radicals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “antioxidant”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “antioxidant”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “antioxidant”
- Incorrect: 'This is an antioxidant cream' (if 'antioxidant' is used as a noun adjunct, it's fine). Correct attributive use: 'This cream has antioxidant properties'.
- Misspelling: 'antioxident' (incorrect). Remember the 'a' after 'ox'.
- Overgeneralisation: Calling any healthy nutrient an 'antioxidant'. It specifically counteracts oxidation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While vitamins C and E are well-known antioxidants, many others are not vitamins, such as flavonoids (in plants), glutathione (made by the body), and melatonin.
Not necessarily. The body maintains a complex balance. Excessive intake of isolated antioxidant supplements can sometimes have pro-oxidant effects or interfere with necessary cellular signalling.
In food science, many antioxidants *function as* preservatives by preventing rancidity (oxidation of fats). However, 'preservative' is a broader category that includes antimicrobials and other spoilage inhibitors.
Yes. The body produces several endogenous antioxidants, like glutathione and alpha-lipoic acid. Dietary antioxidants from food are known as exogenous antioxidants.
A substance (natural or synthetic) that inhibits oxidation, especially one used to counteract the deterioration of stored food products or to remove potentially damaging oxidizing agents in a living organism.
Antioxidant is usually formal, semi-formal, technical (nutrition, biochemistry, health) in register.
Antioxidant: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæn.tiˈɒk.sɪ.dənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæn.tiˈɑːk.sə.dənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms. The word itself is a technical term.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ANTI-OXIDANT. It works AGAINST (ANTI) the damaging process of OXIDATION, which rusts metal and ages our cells.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SHIELD or GUARDIAN protecting cells from attack (by free radicals). / A FIRE EXTINGUISHER putting out oxidative 'fires' in the body.
Practice
Quiz
In a biochemical context, what is the primary role of an antioxidant?