polarization

Language: en

🇺🇸 /ˌpoʊlɜrəˈzeɪʃən/

📖 Definitions

  1. noun
    The process of dividing into two sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions, beliefs, or positions.; In physics, the restriction of the vibrations of a transverse wave, especially light, to a particular direction or plane.; In chemistry and physics, the separation of positive and negative charges in a molecule or material, resulting in a dipole moment.; In electrochemistry, the deviation of an electrode's potential from its equilibrium value due to the passage of current.; In optics, the process by which light waves are made to vibrate in a single plane.

🔗 Details

Word forms

countable / uncountable Plural: polarizations

Collocations

political polarizationsocial polarizationpolarization of lightincreasing polarizationpolarization effectgrowing polarization

Derivatives

polarizepolarpolaritypolarizedpolarizingbipolardepolarizedepolarization

Synonyms

divisionsplitdivergencebifurcationseparationfragmentation

Antonyms

unityconvergenceconsensusagreement

Commonly confused

polarity
EN: 'Polarity' refers to the state of having two opposite poles or extremes; 'polarization' refers to the process of becoming divided into opposing groups or the alignment of waves.
polarisation
EN: 'Polarisation' is simply the British English spelling of the same word; 'polarization' is the American English spelling.

Spelling tips

EN: Remember that American English uses 'z' (polarization) while British English uses 's' (polarisation). Both are correct in their respective varieties.

💬 Examples

  1. The polarization of political parties has made bipartisan cooperation nearly impossible.

  2. Polarized sunglasses reduce glare by filtering light based on its polarization.

  3. The polarization of water molecules makes it an excellent solvent.

  4. Polarization at the electrodes reduced the efficiency of the battery.

  5. The polarization of light through a calcite crystal produces two distinct beams.