ionize

[ ahy-uh-nahyz ]
/ ˈaɪ əˌnaɪz /

verb (used with object), i·on·ized, i·on·iz·ing.

to separate or change into ions.
to produce ions in.

verb (used without object), i·on·ized, i·on·iz·ing.

to become changed into the form of ions, as by dissolving.
Also especially British, i·on·ise.

Origin of ionize

First recorded in 1895–1900; ion + -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM ionize

Words nearby ionize

ionium, ionization, ionization chamber, ionization or ionizing, ionization potential, ionize, ionizer, ionizing radiation, iono-, ionogen, ionomer

Example sentences from the Web for ionization

British Dictionary definitions for ionization (1 of 2)

ionization

ionisation

/ (ˌaɪənaɪˈzeɪʃən) /

noun

  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

British Dictionary definitions for ionization (2 of 2)

ionize

ionise

/ (ˈaɪəˌnaɪz) /

verb

to change or become changed into ions

Derived forms of ionize

ionizable or ionisable, adjective

Medical definitions for ionization (1 of 2)

ionization
[ ī′ə-nĭ-zā′shən ]

n.

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

Medical definitions for ionization (2 of 2)

ionize
[ ī′ə-nīz′ ]

v.

To dissociate atoms or molecules into electrically charged atoms or radicals.

Other words from ionize

i′on•iz′er n.

Scientific definitions for ionization

ionize
[ ī′ə-nīz′ ]

To give an atom or group of atoms a net electric charge by adding or removing one or more electrons.
To form ions in a substance. Lightning ionizes air, for example.