'oxidative' originates from the Latin word 'oxidare,' where 'ox-' meant 'sharp' or 'acid' and '-idare' meant 'to make.'

'oxidare' transformed into the French word 'oxider,' and eventually became the modern English word 'oxidize,' from which 'oxidative' is derived.

Initially, it meant 'to make sharp or acidic,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'relating to oxidation.'