depolarize

2 definitions found

depolarize - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Depolarize \De*po"lar*ize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Depolarized;
     p. pr. & vb. n. Depolarizing.] [Pref. de- + polarize: cf.
     F. d['e]polarizer.]
     1. (Opt.) To deprive of polarity; to reduce to an unpolarized
        condition.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: This word has been inaccurately applied in optics to
           describe the effect of a polarizing medium, as a
           crystalline plate, in causing the reappearance of a
           ray, in consequence of a change in its plane of
           polarization, which previously to the change was
           intercepted by the analyzer.
           [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Elec.) To free from polarization, as the negative plate
        of the voltaic battery.
        [1913 Webster]

depolarize - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  depolarize
      v 1: eliminate the polarization of [syn: depolarize,
           depolarise]