homogenize

verb

ho·​mog·​e·​nize hō-ˈmä-jə-ˌnīz 

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

Synonyms

• formalize
• normalize
• regularize
• standardize

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

Justinian’s attempts to homogenize society and enact order with new and systematized laws were paired with outsized ambition and vanity. —Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 22 Feb. 2025

The physical and thermal properties of the individual materials were experimentally defined and mathematically homogenized into one jelly roll domain within a prismatic steel housing. —IEEE Spectrum, 24 Aug. 2017

But if true art is an instrument for transcendence and cognitive freedom, then artifice—art’s look-alike—is a homogenizing force that blocks off possibilities and alternate modes of being. —Donna Tartt, Harper's Magazine, 2 July 2024

The mix is homogenized, then cooled and aged for 24 hours at 5 degrees Celsius (40 Fahrenheit), for an even richer, smoother taste before it’s frozen. —Alex Christian, WIRED, 4 Oct. 2024

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

Rhymes for homogenize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize

Kids Definition

homogenize

verb

ho·​mog·​e·​nize hō-ˈmäj-ə-ˌnīz 

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

hō-ˈmäj-ə-ˌnīz, hə- 

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

intransitive verb

: to become homogenized