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unnaturalize

 - 4 dictionary results

nat⋅u⋅ral⋅ize

[nach-er-uh-lahyz, nach-ruh-] verb, -ized, -iz⋅ing.
–verb (used with object)
1. to confer upon (an alien) the rights and privileges of a citizen.
2. to introduce (organisms) into a region and cause them to flourish as if native.
3. to introduce or adopt (foreign practices, words, etc.) into a country or into general use: to naturalize a French phrase.
4. to bring into conformity with nature.
5. to regard or explain as natural rather than supernatural: to naturalize miracles.
6. to adapt or accustom to a place or to new surroundings.
–verb (used without object)
7. to become naturalized.
8. to adapt as if native to a new environment, set of circumstances, etc.
9. to study or carry on research in natural history.
Also, especially British, nat⋅u⋅ral⋅ise.


Origin:
1585–95; natural + -ize


nat⋅u⋅ral⋅i⋅za⋅tion, noun
nat⋅u⋅ral⋅iz⋅er, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Word Origin & History

naturalize 
"admit (an alien) to rights of a citizen," 1559 (implied in naturalized), from natural (q.v.) in its etymological sense of "by birth."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: nat·u·ral·ize
Pronunciation: 'na-ch&-r&-"lIz
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Forms: -ized; -iz·ing
: to admit (a person) to citizenship —nat·u·ral·iza·tion /"na-ch&-r&-l&-'zA-sh&n/ noun
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Science Dictionary
naturalize   (nāch'ər-ə-līz')  Pronunciation Key 
To establish a nonnative species in a region where it is able to reproduce successfully and live alongside native species in the wild. Naturalized species may be introduced intentionally or unintentionally. Eucalyptus trees are native to Australia but have become naturalized in many other parts of the world.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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