aerosolize

especially British, aer·o·sol·ise

[air-uh-saw-lahyz, -so-]

verb (used with object)

aerosolized, aerosolizing 

1. to disperse or discharge as an aerosol.

   a liquid that is too thick to aerosolize;

   techniques that aerosolize the fuel prior to combustion.

2. Physiology, Pathology.,  to release (the droplets, or fine particles, within one’s respiratory system) into the air as part of the process of talking, breathing, whistling, coughing, sneezing, etc..

   Even when you sing, you’re aerosolizing particles from your respiratory tract.

   With every cough and sneeze, the infected person profusely aerosolizes viral pathogens.

3. to contain or pack in aerosol form.

   Now I’ve heard everything—they’ve aerosolized coffee that I can just spray into my cream.

Other Word Forms

• aerosolization noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of aerosolize¹

First recorded in 1940–45; aerosol + -ize

Example Sentences

In 2002, Russia used aerosolized fentanyl to quell a hostage crisis at a Moscow theater, killing more than 100 of the roughly 700 people being held in the rescue attempt.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The effects of exposure “aerosolize the virus … and that initiates the possible increase in transmission,” Nolan told Salon.

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And even craft that burn up completely might cause harm; researchers are concerned that the aerosolized metal could be damaging the ozone layer, reversing years of progress in protecting it.

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One thing to remember Lamb said is that the components of the pollutants, including ash, will settle on the ground and can be aerosolized again when disturbed as part of the cleanup efforts.

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These cracks become particularly dangerous during wildfires, as the air fills with ash, aerosolized toxins from burning structures and even plant compounds.

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