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 ionize
  • There are no processes involved in the tornado formation that can ionize the air in the vortex thus transferring it into plasma.
  • When the current enters the wires ringing the top of the lifter, electrons race off to ionize the surrounding air.
  • Radiation in space can ionize medications, thereby damaging them.
  • Most of the sources you cited emit electromagnetic radiation of far to low an energy level to ionize anything.
  • The only mechanism that by which radiation can cause cancer is to ionize a molecule.
  • Recall that strong acids are those that ionize completely and weak acids are those that do not ionize completely.
British Dictionary definitions for ionize

ionize

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

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

ionize in Medicine

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.
ionize 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.