Definition

Describing a substance that has been treated with hydrogen, often used to refer to fats that have been made more solid by adding hydrogen to them.

Example

Many processed foods contain hydrogenated oils that can affect health.

Conversation

Have you checked the ingredients in that snack you like?

Yeah, I noticed it has some hydrogenated oils in it.

I heard those can be pretty unhealthy for you.

Definitely, I’m trying to avoid hydrogenated fats these days.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To treat a substance with hydrogen, often to make it more stable or to change its properties, especially in the context of fats and oils.

Example

The oil was hydrogenated to improve its shelf life and texture.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you know that many snacks are made with hydrogenated oils?

Yeah, I heard they can be really unhealthy.

I was surprised to learn how often they're used in food.

Root Explanation

Hydrogenated → It is formed from "hydro-" (from Greek "hydor", meaning water) and "-gen" (from Greek "genes", meaning born of or produced by) and the suffix "-ated" (indicating a process). The term refers to the process of adding hydrogen to a substance, often to convert oils into solid fats, thus producing a product that is derived from hydrogen.

Memory Tip

Think of 'water' ('hydro-') being 'produced' ('-gen') through a process ('-ated') — this helps you remember that hydrogenated means a substance that has undergone a process involving hydrogen.

Visually Confused Words