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ionize

[ ahy-uh-nahyz ]
/ ˈaɪ əˌnaɪz /
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verb (used with object), i·on·ized, i·on·iz·ing.
to separate or change into ions.
to produce ions in.
verb (used without object), i·on·ized, i·on·iz·ing.
to become changed into the form of ions, as by dissolving.
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Also especially British, i·on·ise .

Origin of ionize

First recorded in 1895–1900; ion + -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM ionize

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use ionize in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for ionize

ionize

ionise

/ (ˈaɪəˌnaɪz) /

verb
to change or become changed into ions

Derived forms of ionize

ionizable or ionisable, adjective
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

Medical definitions for ionize

ionize
[ īə-nīz′ ]

v.
To dissociate atoms or molecules into electrically charged atoms or radicals.

Other words from ionize

ion•iz′er n.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Scientific definitions for ionize

ionize
[ īə-nīz′ ]

To give an atom or group of atoms a net electric charge by adding or removing one or more electrons.
To form ions in a substance. Lightning ionizes air, for example.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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