What is defined as a chemical reaction in which a substance combines with oxygen and releases energy?

The term described as a chemical reaction in which a substance combines with oxygen and releases energy is combustion. In a combustion reaction, a fuel reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water, and energy, typically in the form of heat and light. This process is essential in various contexts, including powering engines, heating homes, and cooking food.

While oxidation is related to the process of gaining oxygen or losing electrons, it does not exclusively imply energy release. Fermentation, on the other hand, is an anaerobic process that doesn't involve oxygen and is primarily a biological conversion of carbohydrates into alcohol or acids, and energy is produced in a different manner. Respiration is a broader biological term referring to the metabolic processes that convert nutrients into usable energy, which can involve both aerobic and anaerobic pathways, but the specific reaction likened to combustion is best captured by the term combustion itself.