homogenize

verb

ho·​mog·​e·​nize hō-ˈmä-jə-ˌnīz How to pronounce homogenize (audio)
hə-
homogenized; homogenizing

transitive verb

1
a
: to blend (diverse elements) into a mixture that is the same throughout
b
: to make uniform in structure or composition throughout : to make homogeneous
2
a
: to reduce to small particles of uniform size and distribute evenly usually in a liquid
b
: to reduce the particles of so that they are uniformly small and evenly distributed
specifically : to break up the fat globules of (milk) into very fine particles
As a chemist, he developed equipment to homogenize milk Matt Stiles

intransitive verb

: to become uniform in structure or composition throughout : to become homogenized
homogenizer noun

Examples of homogenize in a Sentence

The new curriculum is an attempt to homogenize education throughout the county. plans to homogenize the science curriculum in public high schools throughout the state
Recent Examples on the Web In a world where even luxury travel can feel homogenized, there’s a certain poetry to the growth in high-end rail journeys that are idiosyncratic—and intentionally not high-speed. Jd Shadel, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Oct. 2024 Once these polities were homogenized—to the point that the majority were confessionally aligned with the sovereign prince and the minority lacked the numbers and power to effectively challenge the status quo—there was much less incentive for the other princes to meddle. Selim Can Sazak, Foreign Affairs, 27 Oct. 2016 The lighting feels unnatural, the shading overwhelms, the movement stiffens, and the joy of play disappears in a homogenizing portrayal of a child running with their back turned to us. Gerui Wang, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024 Global content production is becoming homogenized by international distributors. Diego Ávalos, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for homogenize 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'homogenize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

homogen(eous) + -ize

Note: Compare earlier French homogénéiser, which preserves the -e- of Latin homogeneus.

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of homogenize was in 1835

Dictionary Entries Near homogenize

Cite this Entry

“Homogenize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homogenize. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

homogenize

verb
ho·​mog·​e·​nize hō-ˈmäj-ə-ˌnīz How to pronounce homogenize (audio)
hə-
homogenized; homogenizing
1
: to make homogeneous
2
a
: to reduce to small particles of uniform size and distribute evenly
homogenize peanut butter
homogenize paint
b
: to break up the fat of (milk) into very fine particles
homogenization
-ˌmäj-ə-nə-ˈzā-shən
noun
homogenizer
-ˈmäj-ə-ˌnī-zər
noun

Medical Definition

homogenize

verb
ho·​mog·​e·​nize
variants also British homogenise
homogenized also British homogenised; homogenizing also British homogenising

transitive verb

1
: to make homogeneous
2
a
: to reduce to small particles of uniform size and distribute evenly usually in a liquid
b
: to reduce the particles of so that they are uniformly small and evenly distributed
specifically : to break up the fat globules of (milk) into very fine particles especially by forcing through minute openings

More from Merriam-Webster on homogenize

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