ionize

[ahy-uh-nahyz] /ˈaɪ əˌnaɪz/
verb (used with object), ionized, ionizing.
1.
to separate or change into ions.
2.
to produce ions in.
verb (used without object), ionized, ionizing.
3.
to become changed into the form of ions, as by dissolving.
Also, especially British, ionise.
Origin
1895-1900; ion + -ize
Related forms
ionizable, adjective
ionization, noun
ionizer, noun
nonionized, adjective
nonionizing, adjective
self-ionization, noun
unionized, adjective
ununionized, adjective
Examples from the web for ionization
  • By determining when this transition took place, scientists can pin down the start date of the helium-ionization era.
  • And in the second place, when a current flows through gas, ionization occurs and charged particles are produced.
  • ionization is the separation of electrons from molecules.
  • ionization of the atmosphere and concomitant ozone depletion are unlikely to be important.
  • Simple low temperature friction can create ionization into charged particles.
British Dictionary definitions for ionization

ionization

/ˌaɪənaɪˈzeɪʃən/
noun
1.
  1. the formation of ions as a result of a chemical reaction, high temperature, electrical discharge, particle collisions, or radiation
  2. (as modifier): ionization temperature, ionization current

ionize

/ˈaɪəˌnaɪz/
verb
1.
to change or become changed into ions
Derived Forms
ionizable, ionisable, adjective
Word Origin and History for ionization
n.

1891; see ionize + -ation.

ionize

v.

1896, from ion + -ize. Related: Ionized; ionizing.

ionization in Medicine

ionization i·on·i·za·tion (ī'ə-nĭ-zā'shən)
n.

  1. The formation of or separation into ions by heat, electrical discharge, radiation, or chemical reaction; electrolytic dissociation.

  2. See iontophoresis.

ionize i·on·ize (ī'ə-nīz')
v. i·on·ized, i·on·iz·ing, i·on·iz·es
To dissociate atoms or molecules into electrically charged atoms or radicals.

i'on·iz'er n.
ionization in Science
ionize
  (ī'ə-nīz')   

  1. To give an atom or group of atoms a net electric charge by adding or removing one or more electrons.

  2. To form ions in a substance. Lightning ionizes air, for example.