1. Chemical reactions in which a substance combines with oxygen spontaneously, typically without external heat or flame, often producing free radicals.
Usage: chemistry; plural form of autoxidation; commonly occurs in organic compounds, oils, and fats

Examples

• The autoxidations of unsaturated fats in cooking oils can produce harmful compounds over time.
• Researchers studied the autoxidations that occur when rubber is exposed to air and sunlight.
• Antioxidants are added to foods to prevent autoxidations that cause rancidity.
• The autoxidations of certain polymers limit their shelf life and durability.
• Industrial processes must account for autoxidations when storing reactive organic compounds.
• Autoxidations in biological systems can damage cell membranes and proteins.