Not at all stupid. It's just a very uncommon phrase.
Oxidation stability is a chemical reaction that occurs with a combination of the lubricating oil and oxygen. The rate of oxidation is accelerated by high temperatures, water, acids and catalysts such as copper. The rate of oxidation increases with time. The service life of a lubricant is also
reduced with increases in temperature. Oxidation will lead to an
increase in the oil's viscosity and deposits of varnish and sludge.
Sounds vague doesn't it?
Source:
http://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/28966/oil-oxidation-stabilityAnother source states:
Oxidative stability is a measure of an oil or fat's resistance to oxidation. Because the process takes place through a chain reaction, the oxidation reaction has a period when it is relatively slow, before it suddenly speeds up. The time for this to happen is called the "induction time", and it is repeatable under identical conditions (temperature, air flow, etc.).
Source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RancidificationHope this helps you in some way
![Smiling Face with Halo](https://biology-forums.com/Smileys/default/1f607.png)
Let us know!