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.
These forms of energy can ionize, or charge, low layers of the planet’s ionosphere on the sun-facing side. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 May 2025 But ultraviolet radiation changed the cloud itself in the process, knocking electrons off atoms and giving the gas an electric charge (or ionizing it, as physicists would say). Kiona N. Smith, Space.com, 28 Apr. 2025 Importantly, in the ancient atmosphere sample, sprays of water alone were enough to ionize the air and trigger the formation of organic molecules with carbon-nitrogen bonds, such as hydrogen cyanide, glycine and uracil. Michael Irving, New Atlas, 17 Mar. 2025 Where appropriate, clinicians may also consider alternative imaging methods that do not involve ionizing radiation, such as MRI or ultrasound – especially for younger patients or when repeat imaging is anticipated. New Atlas, 19 Apr. 2025 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

Cite this Entry

“Ionize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ionize. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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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