homogenize
Americanverb (used with object)
-
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)
verb
-
(tr) to break up the fat globules in (milk or cream) so that they are evenly distributed
-
to make or become homogeneous
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
have homogenizedperfect
-
has homogenizedperfect 3rd person singular
-
have been homogenizingperfect progressive
-
has been homogenizingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
-
are homogenizingprogressive
-
is homogenizingprogressive 3rd person singular
-
am homogenizingprogressive 1st person singular
-
homogenizessingular 3rd person
-
homogenizingparticiple
Past
-
had homogenizedperfect
-
was homogenizingprogressive singular
-
were homogenizingprogressive plural
-
had been homogenizingperfect progressive
-
homogenizedsimple
-
homogenizedparticiple
Future
Etymology
Origin of homogenize
First recorded in 1885–90; homogen(eous) + -ize
Explanation
To homogenize is to make something the same, or similar. When dairies homogenize milk, they mix it so the cream isn't separate from the rest of the milk, but instead all the liquid is the same consistency. When food processors homogenize milk, they make it uniform or alike, and when circumstances homogenize a neighborhood or school, the result is a group of people who generally all resemble each other. You might complain that high rents and gentrification in your town have homogenized it, leaving only wealthy professionals able to afford to live there. The Greek root, homogenes, means "of the same kind."
Vocabulary lists containing homogenize
Fast Food Nation
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
A Culinary Vocabulary Sampler
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"Simon's Saga," Vocabulary from Episode 27
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
