atomize

at·om·ize

transitive verb \ˈa-tə-ˌmīz\

at·om·izedat·om·iz·ing

Definition of ATOMIZE

1

: to treat as made up of many discrete units

2

: to reduce to minute particles or to a fine spray

3

: divide, fragment <an atomized society>; also : to deprive of meaningful ties to others <atomized individuals>

4

: to subject to attack by nuclear weapons

— at·om·i·za·tion \ˌa-tə-mə-ˈzā-shən\ noun

Examples of ATOMIZE

1. <this medication for athlete's foot is atomized so that it can be sprayed on from an aerosol can>

First Known Use of ATOMIZE

1845

Related to ATOMIZE

Synonyms

powder, beat, bray, comminute, crush, disintegrate, grind, mill, mull, pound, pulverize

Related Words

grate, kibble; crumble, crunch; break, bust, dash, fracture, fragment; shatter, smash, splinter; micronize

at·om·ize

transitive verb    (Medical Dictionary)

at·om·izedor British ; at·om·ised; at·om·iz·ingor British ; at·om·is·ing

Medical Definition of ATOMIZE

: to convert to minute particles or to a fine spray <an atomized medicated powder>

—at·om·iza·tion or British at·om·isa·tion \ˌat-ə-mə-ˈzā-shən\ (audio pronunciation) noun

Variants of ATOMIZE

at·om·ize or British at·om·ise \ˈat-ə-ˌmīz\ (audio pronunciation)