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.
The decay of the radioisotope produces high-energy beta particles that ionize the electrolyte, creating a potential difference between the anode and cathode immersed in the solution and driving electron flow through an external circuit to produce electricity.—IEEE Spectrum, 25 Aug. 2025 Atri and his colleagues wondered, however, whether the ionizing effects of cosmic rays could confer additional benefits to those alien environments.—Emma R. Hasson, Scientific American, 17 Aug. 2025 The ionosphere interacts strongly with the sun, which explains the layer's name: its atoms and molecules are ionized (have had electrons stripped away) by solar radiation.—Mike Wall, Space.com, 25 July 2025 The researchers noted that communities downstream from Coldwater Creek had potentially been exposed to the ionizing radiation during recreational activities, such as playing in the creek, and residential activities, like breathing in dust suspended from the soil when gardening.—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for ionize
Word History
Etymology
ion + -ize, after German ionisiren (now ionisieren) or French ioniser
Share