polarization
noun
po·lar·i·za·tion
| \ ˌpō-lə-rə-ˈzā-shən
\
\
Definition of polarization
1
: the action of polarizing or state of being or becoming polarized: such as
a(1)
: the action or process of affecting radiation and especially light so that the vibrations of the wave assume a definite form
(2)
: the state of radiation affected by this process
b
: an increase in the resistance of an electrolytic cell often caused by the deposition of gas on one or both electrodes
c
: magnetization
2a
: division into two opposites
b
: concentration about opposing extremes of groups or interests formerly ranged on a continuum
Examples of polarization in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This polarization system resembles the Turing-pattern model for the mechanisms that may guide the formation of spots or stripes. — Quanta Magazine, "For Embryo’s Cells, Size Can Determine Fate," 12 Aug. 2019 As political polarization in Washington and across the nation has deepened, mass shootings have gotten deadlier. — California Newspapers Partnership Editorial Boards, The Mercury News, "Editorial: We must put public safety before politics to save American lives," 11 Aug. 2019 Decrying polarization has become a way of impugning adversaries. — Robert B. Talisse, The Denver Post, "Guest Commentary: Political polarization is about feelings, not facts, and animosity is growing," 9 Aug. 2019 This is how nationalization fuels winner-take-all polarization. — Jonah Goldberg, National Review, "Neither Left nor Right Has Proper Remedy for America’s Illness," 7 Aug. 2019 Consider, for instance, a photon, which can exhibit either horizontal or vertical polarization. — Daniel Garisto, Scientific American, "“Qutrit” Experiments Are a First in Quantum Teleportation," 6 Aug. 2019 Rather, the article illustrates the polarization of our debate about public schools, the risk associated with even brainstorming about how to put kids first, and the impact of that dynamic on students. — Ben Austin, Orange County Register, "Since when is putting students before bureaucratic and union interests breaking news?," 12 July 2019 Too often these days the polarization over Mr. Trump is leading judges to reach decisions that aren’t supported by the law. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "Trump, Twitter and the First Amendment," 11 July 2019 At a time when rampant discord and polarization splinter communities, University School is working to build stronger bridges to the mother city. — Phillip Morris, cleveland.com, "University School builds bridges to Cleveland with teachers: Phillip Morris," 28 July 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'polarization.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for polarization
polarization
noun
po·lar·iza·tion
variants:
also British polarisation \ ˌpō-lə-rə-ˈzā-shən
\
\
Medical Definition of polarization
: the action of polarizing or state of being or becoming polarized: as
a(1)
: the action or process of affecting radiation and especially light so that the vibrations of the wave assume a definite form
(2)
: the state of radiation affected by this process
b
: an increase in the resistance of an electrolytic cell caused by the deposition of gas on one or both electrodes
c
: magnetization