aerosolization

noun

aero·​sol·​i·​za·​tion ˌer-ə-ˌsä-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce aerosolization (audio)
-ˌsȯ-,
-sə-
: the dispersal of a substance (such as medicine or viral particles) in the form of an aerosol : the creation or formation of an aerosol
Aerosolization of the drug requires special equipment and trained personnel.Caroline Breese Hall and J. T. McBride
The VDA [Virginia Dental Association] said many routine procedures contain the potential of transmitting COVID-19 via aerosolization of fluids.Tyler Thrasher

Examples of aerosolization 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.
Enlarge / Schematic depiction of the aerosolization and spread of a bacteriophage to adjacent areas after flushing with the lid open and the lid closed. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 31 Jan. 2024 The purpose of this work was to demonstrate that virus aerosolization occurs in a simulated vomiting event, and to estimate the amount of virus that is released in those aerosols. Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 31 Aug. 2015 Maybe heightened spatial awareness and concerns over aerosolization will result in better etiquette. Washington Post, 18 June 2021 In that imaginary diagram of aerosolization, a comic would be expelling dribble, but a fine, full-out singer would be a toxic fountain, misting the virus deep into the tenth row. Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 7 June 2021 This disease truly does spread through the aerosolization that comes from our talking. The Atlantic, 22 Apr. 2021 Doctors also try to get oxygen to patients in ways that were once thought to be too dangerous because of the potential aerosolization of the virus. Emily Woodruff, NOLA.com, 20 Nov. 2020 Build hoods and tents to contain the aerosolization. Tony Dajer, Discover Magazine, 11 June 2020 That's because performing autopsies on patients who died of Covid-19 carries special risks, such as the aerosolization of the virus during brain removal. Liz Szabo, CNN, 1 June 2020

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aerosolization was in 1944

Dictionary Entries Near aerosolization

Cite this Entry

“Aerosolization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aerosolization. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

aerosolization

noun
aero·​sol·​iza·​tion ˌar-ə-ˌsäl-ə-ˈzā-shən, ˌer-, -ˌsȯl- How to pronounce aerosolization (audio)
: dispersal (as of a medicine) in the form of an aerosol
aerosolization of penicillin
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