See Also: polarize(medicine)
polarize(dictionary)
polarize(dictionary)

polarize (iou)



polarize verb. Also polarise. E19.

verb trans. & intrans. Physics. Cause the vibrations of (light or other electromagnetic radiation) to be restricted, wholly or partially, to a particular direction. E19.
polarizing filter a photographic etc. filter that preferentially passes light having a particular direction of vibration.
b. verb trans. Measure the optical activity of (a solution, esp. of a sugar) in order to determine the concentration of solute. E20.
verb trans. fig.
a. Give a single or particular direction to; interpret (a word etc.) in a particular way. E19.
b. verb trans. Accentuate a division within (a group, system, etc.); separate into two (or occas. more) opposing groups, extremes of opinion, etc. M20.
verb trans. Induce magnetic or electrical polarity in. Also, cause polarization of (an electrical cell). M19.
b. Physics. Produce an alignment of the spins of (particles). M20.
verb intrans. Undergo polarization; exhibit polarity or polarization. M19.
polarizer noun a person who or thing which polarizes; spec. a plate, prism, etc., that polarizes a ray of light passing through it: M19.