ionize
[ ahy-uh-nahyz ]
/ ˈaɪ əˌnaɪz /
|
verb (used with object), i·on·ized, i·on·iz·ing.
verb (used without object), i·on·ized, i·on·iz·ing.
to become changed into the form of ions, as by dissolving.
Nearby words
Also especially British, i·on·ise.
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for ionize
Organic compounds, on the other hand, ionize only very slowly, if at all.
The Chemistry of Plant Life|Roscoe Wilfred ThatcherCertain ultra-violet rays also ionize the air and cause the formation of ozone.
Artificial Light|M. LuckieshSecond, 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
British Dictionary definitions for ionize
ionize
ionise
/ (ˈaɪəˌnaɪz) /
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
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Medicine definitions for ionize
ionize
[ ī′ə-nīz′ ]
v.
To dissociate atoms or molecules into electrically charged atoms or radicals.
Related formsi′on•iz′er n.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Science definitions for ionize
ionize
[ ī′ə-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.