depolarize

American  

[dee-pohl-er-ahyz] / diˈpoʊl ərˌaɪz /

verb (used with object)

depolarized, depolarizing

1. to reduce or eliminate electrical charge or polarization.

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verb (used without object)

depolarized, depolarizing

1. to go through a reduction or loss of electrical charge or polarization.

depolarize British  

/ diːˈpəʊləˌraɪz /

verb

1. to undergo or cause to undergo a loss of polarity or polarization

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Other Word Forms

• depolarization
  noun
• depolarizer
  noun
• depolarizing
  adjective
• non-depolarizing
  adjective

Example Sentences

Part of what we’re trying to do is depolarize this issue.

From Slate • Apr. 3, 2023

This will depolarize the hair cell membrane, triggering nerve impulses that travel down the afferent nerve fibers attached to the hair cells.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

This group of cells is self-excitable and able to depolarize to threshold and fire action potentials on their own, a feature called autorhythmicity; they do this at set intervals which determine heart rate.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Researchers have now found that Escherichia coli drop this voltage difference for a brief moment and depolarize, much as neurons do when they fire.

From Science Magazine • Jul. 14, 2011

Between these two prisms, however, is a solution of chemicals which will depolarize the light and allow it to continue.

From Astounding Stories, July, 1931 by Various