racemization

noun

ra·​ce·​mi·​za·​tion rā-ˌsē-mə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce racemization (audio)
rə-;
ˌra-sə-mə-
: the action or process of changing from an optically active compound into a racemic compound or mixture
racemize
rā-ˈsē-ˌmīz How to pronounce racemization (audio)
rə-;
ˈra-sə-
verb

Examples of racemization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Even amino acid racemization, scorned for the last 15 years, is making a comeback, thanks to the discovery that the technique, unreliable when applied to porous bone, is quite accurate when used on hard ostrich eggshells. James Shreeve, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019 In the 1970s a flush of excitement over a technique called amino acid racemization led many workers to believe that another continent--North America--had been occupied by humans fully 70,000 years ago. James Shreeve, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'racemization.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of racemization was in 1895

Dictionary Entries Near racemization

Cite this Entry

“Racemization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/racemization. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

racemization

noun
ra·​ce·​mi·​za·​tion
variants also British racemisation
: the action or process of changing from an optically active compound into a racemic compound or mixture
racemize verb
also British racemise
racemized also British racemised; racemizing also British racemising

More from Merriam-Webster on racemization

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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