ionize

[ahy-uh-nahyz]

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.

Also especially British, i·on·ise.

Origin of ionize

First recorded in 1895–1900; ion + -ize

Related formsi·on·iz·a·ble, adjectivei·on·i·za·tion, nouni·on·iz·er, nounnon·i·on·ized, adjectivenon·i·on·iz·ing, adjectiveself-i·on·i·za·tion, nounun·i·o·nized, adjectiveun·un·ion·ized, adjective

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

Examples from the Web for ionize

Historical Examples of ionize

Organic compounds, on the other hand, ionize only very slowly, if at all.
The Chemistry of Plant Life
Roscoe Wilfred Thatcher
Second, the upper atmosphere of Eisberg was pretty much pure hydrogen, which is somewhat easier to ionize than oxygen or nitrogen.
Unwise Child
Gordon Randall Garrett
Certain ultra-violet rays also ionize the air and cause the formation of ozone.
Artificial Light
M. Luckiesh

British Dictionary definitions for ionize

ionize

ionise

verb

to change or become changed into ions

Derived Formsionizable 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

Word Origin and History for ionize

1896, from ion + -ize. Related: Ionized; ionizing.

ionize in Medicine