1. adds hydrogen to (a compound), especially to convert an unsaturated fat into a saturated fat
Usage: chemistry; third person singular present tense

Examples

• The factory hydrogenates vegetable oils to make margarine.
• This process hydrogenates the unsaturated bonds in the fat molecules.
• The chemical plant hydrogenates organic compounds using a nickel catalyst.
• When the manufacturer hydrogenates the oil, it becomes more solid at room temperature.
• The reaction hydrogenates the double bonds, creating trans fats.
• Industrial equipment hydrogenates large quantities of cooking oil daily.