ionize

verb

ion·​ize ˈī-ə-ˌnīz How to pronounce ionize (audio)
ionized; ionizing

transitive verb

: to convert wholly or partly into ions
ionizable adjective
ionizer noun

Examples of ionize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Usually, this atmospheric layer reflects high-frequency radio waves, bouncing them from their source to their destination, but if the flare ionizes that layer, these waves become degraded, or are completely absorbed, leading to a radio blackout. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024 While direct damage to DNA can be catastrophic, ionizing radiation can also cause damage in other ways. Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 24 Oct. 2024 This disk whirls around at such a rapid pace that the material within it glows white-hot and ionizes, transforming into a dense plasma roiling with magnetic fields. Saima S. Iqbal, Scientific American, 23 Oct. 2024 Among other things, this can be used to heavily ionize materials, like the argon gas used here, generating intense X-rays. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 24 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ionize 

Word History

Etymology

ion + -ize, after German ionisiren (now ionisieren) or French ioniser

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of ionize was in 1898

Dictionary Entries Near ionize

Cite this Entry

“Ionize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ionize. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

ionize

verb
ion·​ize ˈī-ə-ˌnīz How to pronounce ionize (audio)
ionized; ionizing
1
: to convert wholly or partly into ions
2
: to become ionized
ionizable adjective
ionization noun
ionizer noun

Medical Definition

ionize

verb
ion·​ize
variants or chiefly British ionise
ionized or chiefly British ionised; ionizing or chiefly British ionising

transitive verb

: to convert wholly or partly into ions
ionizable adjective
or chiefly British ionisable
ionization noun
or chiefly British ionisation

More from Merriam-Webster on ionize

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