What is another word for oxidation number?
Pronunciation: [ˌɒksɪdˈe͡ɪʃən nˈʌmbə] (IPA) 
Oxidation number is a term used in chemistry to describe the charge on an atom in a compound. However, there are other synonyms for this term which are also used by chemists around the world. For instance, oxidation state and oxidation state number can be used interchangeably with oxidation number. Other synonyms for this term include the following: valence state, oxidation level, and oxidation index. All of these terms essentially describe the same concept, which is the ability of an atom to gain or lose electrons in a compound, and thereby acquire a charge. These terms are essential for chemists to understand in order to properly analyze chemical reactions and predict the behavior of certain compounds.
