depolarization

noun

1
: the process of depolarizing something or the state of being depolarized
2
physiology : loss of the difference in charge between the inside and outside of the plasma membrane of a muscle or nerve cell due to a change in permeability and migration of sodium ions to the interior
… partial depolarization of the ventricular tissue resulting from rapid conduction of the electrical impulse from the atrium to the ventricle … Mark S. Link

Examples of depolarization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
So just membrane depolarization is sufficient to promote the growth of the cancer. Ingrid Wickelgren, Scientific American, 14 Feb. 2025 In cases where no party affiliation was given, the depolarization was smaller (0.15 standard deviations). John Timmer, Ars Technica, 21 Aug. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1814, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of depolarization was circa 1814

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Cite this Entry

“Depolarization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/depolarization. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

depolarization

noun
de·​po·​lar·​iza·​tion
: loss of polarization
especially : loss of the difference in charge between the inside and outside of the plasma membrane of a muscle or nerve cell due to a change in permeability and migration of sodium ions to the interior
… partial depolarization of the ventricular tissue resulting from rapid conduction of the electrical impulse from the atrium to the ventricle … Mark S. Link, The New England Journal of Medicine
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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