ionization
noun
ion·i·za·tion
ˌī-ə-nə-ˈzā-shən 
plural ionizations
1
: the act or process of ionizing something : conversion of a substance into ions
Then other photons, collisions or an electric field cause ionization of the excited neutral species.—
G. Samuel Hurst and Vladilen S. Letokhov
G. Samuel Hurst and Vladilen S. Letokhov2
: the state of being ionized
While the light flashes themselves are not harmful, the tissue ionization caused by the intruding particle near the end of its track is indeed deadly to some affected cells.—James D. Burke
James D. BurkeExamples of ionization in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Realizing such ionization cooling may be physicists’ biggest challenge.
—Byadrian Cho, science.org, 28 Mar. 2024
The citizen scientists will reveal how a short, sudden darkness affects the way radio waves propagate in the ionosphere—and how this may alter its overall ionization.
—Catherine Duncan, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Mar. 2024
And ultrasound combined with LED therapy, negative ionization, lots of cryotherapy.
—Ingrid Schmidt, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Feb. 2024
The flare’s aftermath is thought to have lasted throughout the first transit, so the ionization was likely still going on as Hubble watched.
—Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 15 Aug. 2023
In turn, this ionization weakened radio waves coursing through the atmosphere.
—Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 20 Dec. 2023
These include protecting from ionization of the air around conductors (the corona effect), providing a moisture barrier, shielding from electromagnetic interference, promoting thermal conductivity, and providing mechanical strength and durability.
—Amy Jankovsky, IEEE Spectrum, 30 Nov. 2023
This monitor pulls double duty, able to sense carbon monoxide (with an electrochemical sensor) and smoke (with an ionization sensor).
—Quincy Bulin, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Aug. 2023
Air Ionizing: Through the process of air ionization, AirSure helps to neutralize and eliminate airborne bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, further enhancing the purity of the air the wearer breathes.
—Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 4 Aug. 2023
Byadrian Cho, science.org, 28 Mar. 2024
The citizen scientists will reveal how a short, sudden darkness affects the way radio waves propagate in the ionosphere—and how this may alter its overall ionization.
—Catherine Duncan, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Mar. 2024
And ultrasound combined with LED therapy, negative ionization, lots of cryotherapy.
—Ingrid Schmidt, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Feb. 2024
The flare’s aftermath is thought to have lasted throughout the first transit, so the ionization was likely still going on as Hubble watched.
—Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 15 Aug. 2023
In turn, this ionization weakened radio waves coursing through the atmosphere.
—Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 20 Dec. 2023
These include protecting from ionization of the air around conductors (the corona effect), providing a moisture barrier, shielding from electromagnetic interference, promoting thermal conductivity, and providing mechanical strength and durability.
—Amy Jankovsky, IEEE Spectrum, 30 Nov. 2023
This monitor pulls double duty, able to sense carbon monoxide (with an electrochemical sensor) and smoke (with an ionization sensor).
—Quincy Bulin, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Aug. 2023
Air Ionizing: Through the process of air ionization, AirSure helps to neutralize and eliminate airborne bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, further enhancing the purity of the air the wearer breathes.
—Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 4 Aug. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ionization.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near ionization
Cite this Entry
“Ionization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ionization. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.
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