homogenize
/hɔ'mɔdʤinaiz/ Cách viết khác : (homogenize) /hɔ'mɔdʤinaiz/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb (transitive):
- To make uniform or consistent in composition throughout: To blend or mix substances so that they become completely uniform, with the same properties in every part.
- To make similar or uniform: To reduce differences and create a state of sameness or equality among elements.
Verb (intransitive):
- To become uniform or consistent: To undergo a process of mixing or blending until a uniform mixture is achieved.
Usage and Examples
- Transitive Verb:
- The machine is used to homogenize milk, breaking down the fat molecules so the cream does not separate.
- The goal of the policy is to homogenize educational standards across the country.
- Intransitive Verb:
- After several minutes in the blender, the oil and vinegar finally began to homogenize.
Advanced Usage
- In a scientific/technical context: Often refers to a mechanical process of forcing a mixture through small openings to break down particles and create a stable emulsion or suspension.
- The cell suspension must be homogenized before analysis.
- In a sociological/cultural context: Used critically to describe the process of making cultures, societies, or experiences more similar, often implying a loss of diversity.
- Critics argue that globalization can homogenize local cultures.
Variants and Related Words
- Homogenization (noun): The process of making something homogeneous.
- The homogenization of milk extends its shelf life.
- Homogenized (adjective): Made homogeneous.
- Most store-bought milk is homogenized.
- Homogenizer (noun): A machine used for homogenizing.
- The laboratory uses a high-pressure homogenizer.
Synonyms
- Blend: To mix thoroughly.
- Standardize: To make conform to a standard.
- Uniformize: To make uniform. (Less common)
- Emulsify: To mix liquids that normally do not combine (a specific type of homogenization).
Antonyms
- Separate: To cause to move or be apart.
- Diversify: To make or become more varied.
- Stratify: To form or arrange into layers or social strata.
Related Phrases and Idioms
(Note: "Homogenize" itself is not commonly used in idiomatic phrases. The related noun "homogenization" appears in set phrases.) - Cultural homogenization: The process by which local cultures are transformed or absorbed by a dominant outside culture. - Some fear that cultural homogenization is erasing unique traditions.
Verb
- become homogeneous or similar, as by mixing
- The two liquids homogenized in the blender
- break up the fat globules of
- homogenized milk
- cause to become equal or homogeneous as by mixing
- homogenize the main ingredients