ionize

[ ahy-uh-nahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, i·on·ized, i·on·iz·ing.

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

verb (used without object)

, i·on·ized, i·on·iz·ing.

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

ionize

/ ˈaɪəˌnaɪz /

verb

1. to change or become changed into ions

ionize

/ ī′ə-nīz′ /

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

Derived Forms

• ˈionˌizable, adjective

Other Words From

• 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of ionize¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; ion + -ize

Example Sentences

At these temperatures, the ionized hydrogen can strip oxygen even from solid ore.

From Science Magazine

The more ionized particles in the spray, the more accurate the measurements will be.

From Science Daily

Tiny fluctuations in this early ionized plasma caused pressure waves, moving the baryons into a pattern of ripples that is similar to what you'd see if you tossed a handful of gravel into a pond.

From Science Daily

Another unanticipated find was the similar structure between the PAH emission and that of hot, ionized gas.

From Science Daily

Still swirling in a horizontal magnetic field, the muons would ionize atoms in the material, dissipating energy and quelling their buzzing about.

From Science Magazine