repolarization

re·po·lar·i·za·tion   (rē-pō'lər-ĭ-zā'shən)    n.  The restoration of a polarized state across a membrane, as in a muscle fiber following contraction.

polarization

The direction in which the electrical field of an electromagnetic wave points.

Note: Reflected light, such as the light that produces glare on a sunny day, is polarized so that the electrical field is parallel to the ground. Some sunglasses are designed to take advantage of this property by blocking out that particular polarization while allowing other light to come through.

Main Entry: po·lar·iza·tion
Variant: also British po·lar·isa·tion /"pO-l&-r&-'zA-sh&n/
Function:noun
: the action of polarizing or state of being or becoming polarized: as a (1) : the action or process of affecting radiation and especially light so that thevibrations of the wave assume a definite form (2) : the state of radiation affected by this process b : an increase in the resistance of an electrolytic cell caused by thedeposition of gas on one or both electrodes c : MAGNETIZATION

polarization po·lar·i·za·tion (pō'lər-ĭ-zā'shən)
n.

1. The production or condition of polarity.

2. A process or state in which rays of light exhibit different properties in different directions, especially the state in which all the vibration takes place in one plane.

3. The partial or complete polar separation of positive and negative electric charge in a nuclear, atomic, molecular, or chemical system.

4. The coating of an electrode with a thick layer of hydrogen bubbles, with the result that the flow of current is weakened or arrested.

5. The development of differences in potential between two points in living tissues, as between the inside and outside of the cell wall.

polarization   (pō'lər-ĭ-zā'shən)  Pronunciation Key  A condition in which transverse waves vibrate consistently in a single plane, or along a circle or ellipse. Electromagnetic radiation such as light is composed of transverse waves and can be polarized. Certain kinds of light filters, including sunglasses that reduce glare, work by filtering out light that is polarized in one direction. The displacement of positive and negative electric charge to opposite ends of a nuclear, atomic, molecular, or chemical system, especially by subjection to an electric field. Atoms and molecules have some inherent polarization. An increased resistance to the flow of current in a voltaic cell, caused by chemical reactions at the electrodes. Polarization results in a reduction of the electric potential across the voltaic cell.