the.com/oxidize
the slow-motion fire turning iron into rust and apples into regret.
means To combine with oxygen or otherwise lose electrons in a chemical reaction — the process behind rusting, tarnishing, and burning.
from Built from 'oxygen' plus the verb-making suffix '-ize.' 'Oxygen' itself was coined in the late 18th century by the French chemist Lavoisier from Greek 'oxys' (sharp, acid) and 'genes' (forming) — he wrongly believed oxygen was the essential ingredient of all acids. The name stuck even after the idea didn't, and 'oxidize' followed as the natural verb for whatever oxygen got up to.
same chemistryFire and rust are the same reaction, different speeds
oxygen optionalChlorine and fluorine oxidize without any oxygen present
stolen electronsTo oxidize means losing electrons, not gaining oxygen
breathing countsYour cells oxidize glucose to keep you alive
apple browningCut fruit oxidizes in minutes, hence the lemon trick