ionize

[ ahy-uh-nahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, i·on·ized, i·on·iz·ing.

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

verb (used without object)

, i·on·ized, i·on·iz·ing.

1. to become changed into the form of ions, as by dissolving.

ionize

/ ˈaɪəˌnaɪz /

verb

1. to change or become changed into ions

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.

Derived Forms

• ˈionˌizable, adjective

Other Words From

• ion·iza·ble adjective
• ion·i·zation noun
• ion·izer noun
• non·ion·ized adjective
• non·ion·izing adjective
• self-ion·i·zation noun
• un·io·nized adjective
• un·union·ized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ionize¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; ion + -ize

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

Inorganic materials, when dissolved in water, usually ionize very readily.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

He's developed a system, which, thanks to the power we can get in that atostor, will sextuply ionize oxygen gas.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg