Define oxidation in the context of electrochemistry.

In the context of electrochemistry, oxidation refers specifically to the loss of electrons by a substance. When a substance undergoes oxidation, it releases electrons, which can then be accepted by another species, leading to its reduction. This transfer of electrons is fundamental to electrochemical reactions.

Oxidation is often associated with an increase in the oxidation state of the substance because, as electrons are lost, the oxidation number increases. In practical terms, if a metal atom loses electrons during a reaction, it becomes a cation, establishing a clear link between the process of oxidation and the characteristics of the material's oxidation state. Understanding this process is crucial when analyzing redox reactions, where oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously in electrochemical cells.