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 ionize

  • Organic compounds, on the other hand, ionize only very slowly, if at all.

    The Chemistry of Plant Life |Roscoe Wilfred Thatcher

  • Certain ultra-violet rays also ionize the air and cause the formation of ozone.

    Artificial Light |M. Luckiesh

  • Second, the upper atmosphere of Eisberg was pretty much pure hydrogen, which is somewhat easier to ionize than oxygen or nitrogen.

    Unwise Child |Gordon Randall Garrett

British Dictionary definitions for ionize

ionize

ionise

/ (ˈaɪəˌnaɪz) /

verb

to change or become changed into ions

Derived forms of ionize

ionizable or ionisable, adjective

Medical definitions for ionize

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 ionize

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.