sensitize
[ sen-si-tahyz ]
/ ˈsɛn sɪˌtaɪz /
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verb (used with object), sen·si·tized, sen·si·tiz·ing.
to render sensitive.
Photography. to render (a film or the like) sensitive to light or other forms of radiant energy.
Immunology. to render sensitive to an antigenic substance.
verb (used without object), sen·si·tized, sen·si·tiz·ing.
to become sensitized.
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Also especially British, sen·si·tise .
Origin of sensitize
First recorded in 1855–60; sensit(ive) + -ize
OTHER WORDS FROM sensitize
Words nearby sensitize
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for sensitize
British Dictionary definitions for sensitize
sensitize
sensitise
/ (ˈsɛnsɪˌtaɪz) /
verb
to make or become sensitive
(tr) to render (an individual) sensitive to a drug, allergen, etc
(tr) photog to make (a material) sensitive to light or to other actinic radiation, esp to light of a particular colour, by coating it with a photographic emulsion often containing special chemicals, such as dyes
Derived forms of sensitize
sensitization or sensitisation, nounsensitizer or sensitiser, nounCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Medical definitions for sensitize
sensitize
[ sĕn′sĭ-tīz′ ]
v.
To make hypersensitive or reactive to an antigen, such as pollen, especially by repeated exposure.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.