ionize

[ ahy-uh-nahyz ]

verb (used with object),i·on·ized, i·on·iz·ing.

to separate or change into ions.
to produce ions in.

verb (used without object),i·on·ized, i·on·iz·ing.

to become changed into the form of ions, as by dissolving.

Origin of ionize

First recorded in 1895–1900; ion + -ize

Also especially British, i·on·ise .

Other words from ionize

i·on·iz·a·ble, adjective
i·on·i·za·tion, noun
i·on·iz·er, noun
non·i·on·ized, adjective
non·i·on·iz·ing, adjective
self-i·on·i·za·tion, noun
un·i·o·nized, adjective
un·un·ion·ized, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

British Dictionary definitions for ionize

ionize

ionise

/ (ˈaɪəˌnaɪz) /

verb

to change or become changed into ions

Derived forms of ionize

ionizable or ionisable, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for ionize

ionize

[ ī′ə-nīz′ ]

To give an atom or group of atoms a net electric charge by adding or removing one or more electrons.
To form ions in a substance. Lightning ionizes air, for example.

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