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Tarnish vs Oxidate - What's the difference?

tarnish | oxidate |

As nouns the difference between tarnish and oxidate

is that tarnish is oxidation or discoloration, especially of a decorative metal exposed to air while oxidate is (dated|chemistry) an oxide.

As verbs the difference between tarnish and oxidate

is that tarnish is to oxidize or discolor due to oxidation while oxidate is (dated|chemistry) to oxidize.

tarnish

English

Noun

(-)
  • Oxidation or discoloration, especially of a decorative metal exposed to air.
  • Verb

    (es)
  • To oxidize or discolor due to oxidation.
  • Careful storage of silver will prevent it from tarnishing .
  • To soil, sully, damage or compromise
  • He is afraid that he will tarnish his reputation if he disagrees.
  • (figurative) To lose its lustre or attraction; to become dull.
  • * Dryden
  • Till thy fresh glories, which now shine so bright, / Grow stale and tarnish with our daily sight.

    oxidate

    English

    Verb

  • (dated, chemistry) to oxidize
  • Noun

    (en noun)
  • (dated, chemistry) an oxide