Definition

A chemical process where hydrogen is added to another substance, often to convert unsaturated compounds into saturated ones, typically using heat, pressure, and catalysts.

Example

The hydrogenation of vegetable oils makes them solid at room temperature.

Conversation

Have you heard about the process of hydrogenation in cooking oils?

Yeah, I read that it makes them more stable, but isn’t it bad for health?

Exactly, it can create trans fats during hydrogenation which are unhealthy.

That’s why I prefer using unprocessed oils whenever I can.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hydrogenation → It is formed from "hydro-" (from Greek "hydor", meaning water) and "-gen" (from Greek "genes", meaning creator or producer) and the suffix "-ation" (meaning the action or process of). The word describes the process of producing hydrogen, often in the context of adding hydrogen to compounds, particularly in chemistry.

Memory Tip

Think of 'water' ('hydro-') being a 'creator' ('-gen') of new compounds through the process ('-ation') of hydrogenation.

Visually Confused Words