Oxidate refers to the process of chemically combining with oxygen or causing oxidation. Synonyms for the word oxidate include rust, burn, corrode, erode, tarnish, and oxidize. Rust signifies the formation of iron oxide, whereas burn refers to the chemical process of combustion. Corrode is the slow destruction of metal due to the reaction with another substance. Similarly, erode is the gradual wearing away of a surface due to natural or chemical processes. Tarnish is the dulling or discoloration of a metal surface due to exposure to air or moisture. Oxidize is the general term applied to the chemical process where oxygen reacts with another substance to produce an oxide.