Lõhestuv

Lõhestuv is an Estonian term used in chemistry to describe oxidation-related properties or processes. It signifies that a substance can participate in oxidation reactions or cause oxidation. In practice, scientists may label a chemical as “lõhestuv” when it acts as an oxidizing agent, or refer to a “lõhestuv reaktsioon” to denote an oxidation reaction, where a substance loses electrons or increases its oxidation state, often by combining with oxygen.

Etymology: The word is derived from the verb lõhestuma (to decompose, to oxidize) and the adjectival suffix -uv, which forms descriptors indicating a property or activity. The term thus expresses the idea of causing or undergoing oxidation.

Usage notes: The term is primarily found in chemical texts and technical contexts. In modern Estonian, more common terms for oxidation include oksüdatsioon (oxidation) and oksüdant (oxidant), but lõhestuv remains in use, especially in older literature or in certain stylistic contexts.

Related concepts: lõhestumine (the process of oxidation/decomposition), oksüdatsioon (oxidation), oksüdant (oxidant). These terms are connected through the broader language of chemical reactions involving electron transfer and oxygen involvement.

See also: oxidation, chemical reaction, corrosion.