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activate

 - 2 dictionary results

ac⋅ti⋅vate

[ak-tuh-veyt]
–verb (used with object), -vat⋅ed, -vat⋅ing.
1. to make active; cause to function or act.
2. Physics.
a. to render more reactive; excite: to activate a molecule.
b. to induce radioactivity.
3. to aerate (sewage) in order to accelerate decomposition of impure organic matter by microorganisms.
4. Chemistry.
a. to make (carbon, a catalyst, molecules, etc.) more active.
b. to hasten (reactions) by various means, as heating.
5. to place (a military unit or station) on an active status in an assigned capacity.

Origin:
1620–30; active + -ate 1


ac⋅ti⋅va⋅tion, noun


1. actuate, start, turn on, set going.


1. stop, halt, check.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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ac·ti·vate   (āk'tə-vāt')   
tr.v.   ac·ti·vat·ed, ac·ti·vat·ing, ac·ti·vates
  1. To set in motion; make active or more active.

  2. To organize or create (a military unit, for example): activate the National Guard.

  3. To treat (sewage) with aeration and bacteria to aid decomposition.

  4. Chemistry To accelerate a reaction in, as by heat.

  5. Physics To make (a substance) radioactive.

  6. Biology To convert (certain biological compounds) into biologically active derivatives.

ac'ti·va'tion n., ac'ti·va'tor n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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