homogenize

[huh-moj-uh-nahyz, hoh-]

verb (used with object), ho·mog·e·nized, ho·mog·e·niz·ing.

to form by blending unlike elements; make homogeneous.

to prepare an emulsion, as by reducing the size of the fat globules in (milk or cream) in order to distribute them equally throughout.

to make uniform or similar, as in composition or function: to homogenize school systems.

Metallurgy. to subject (metal) to high temperature to ensure uniform diffusion of components.

verb (used without object), ho·mog·e·nized, ho·mog·e·niz·ing.

to become homogenized.

Also especially British, ho·mog·e·nise.

Origin of homogenize

First recorded in 1885–90; homogen(eous) + -ize

Related formsho·mog·e·ni·za·tion, nounho·mog·e·niz·er, nouno·ver·ho·mog·e·nize, verb (used with object), o·ver·ho·mog·e·nized, o·ver·ho·mog·e·niz·ing.un·ho·mog·e·nized, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for homogenization

homogenize

homogenise

verb

(tr) to break up the fat globules in (milk or cream) so that they are evenly distributed

to make or become homogeneous

Derived Formshomogenization or homogenisation, nounhomogenizer or homogeniser, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for homogenization

1803 (from 1905 specifically of milk); see homogenize + -ation.

homogenize

"make similar," 1742, from homogenous + -ize. Sense of "render milk uniform in consistency" is from 1901. Related: Homogenized; homogenizing.