solarize

American  

[soh-luh-rahyz] / ˈsoʊ ləˌraɪz /

especially British, solarise

verb (used with object)

solarized, solarizing

1. Photography. to reverse (an image) partially, as from negative to positive, by exposure to light during development.

2. to adapt (a building) to the use of solar energy.

   We hope to solarize our house within five years.

3. to affect by sunlight.

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verb (used without object)

solarized, solarizing

1. Photography. (of material) to become injured by overexposure.

solarize British  

/ ˈsəʊləˌraɪz /

verb

1. to treat by exposure to the sun's rays

2. photog to reverse some of the tones of (a negative or print) and introduce pronounced outlines of highlights, by exposing it briefly to light after developing and washing, and then redeveloping

3. to expose (a patient) to the therapeutic effects of solar or ultraviolet light

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Other Word Forms

• solarization noun

Etymology

Origin of solarize

First recorded in 1850–55; solar ¹ + -ize

Example Sentences

One is to turn off the water and solarize the lawn by covering it with black plastic.

From Washington Post • Jun. 29, 2022

Let the area re-sprout, then do it again and again — or cover the spot with plastic sheeting to solarize some of the remains after the first try.

From New York Times • May 8, 2020

Daguerreotype plate, prepared in the ordinary manner, should be exposed in the camera a sufficient time to solarize the impression.

From American Hand Book of the Daguerreotype by Humphrey, S. D. (Samuel Dwight)

This will shorten the time in the camera nearly five minutes; but it requires care, as it is apt to solarize.

From Notes and Queries, Number 203, September 17, 1853 A Medium of Inter-communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, etc. by Bell, George