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activate
3 dictionary results for: activation
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
ac·ti·vate       [ak-tuh-veyt] Pronunciation Key
–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 + -ate1]

—Related forms
ac·ti·va·tion, noun

—Synonyms 1. actuate, start, turn on, set going.
—Antonyms 1. stop, halt, check.
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
ac·ti·vate       (āk'tə-vāt')  Pronunciation Key 
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.
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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This
activation

noun
1. stimulation of activity in an organism or chemical [ant: inactivation] 
2. the activity of causing to have energy and be active [syn: energizing] 
3. making active and effective (as a bomb) [ant: deactivation] 

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.
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