nonpolarized
|non-po-lar-ized|
🇺🇸
/ˌnɑnˈpoʊləˌraɪzd/
🇬🇧
/ˌnɒnˈpəʊləˌraɪzd/
not showing polarization or division
Etymology
'nonpolarized' is a modern English formation combining the prefix 'non-' (from Latin 'non', meaning 'not') with 'polarized', the past participle/adjectival form of 'polarize.' 'polarize' ultimately derives from Latin 'polaris' from Greek 'polos' meaning 'axis' or 'pole'.
'polarize' entered scientific and general English in the 19th century (via French and Modern Latin formations such as French 'polariser' and New Latin), and the negative prefix 'non-' has been productively attached in Modern English to form 'nonpolarized'.
Originally, 'polarize' referred to producing poles or inducing polarization in a physical sense; over time it acquired broader senses including political or social division. 'Nonpolarized' has correspondingly come to mean both 'not physically polarized' and 'not divided or polarized in opinion.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not exhibiting or having a specific polarization; lacking a preferred orientation of vibration or charge (used for light, electromagnetic waves, molecules, or materials).
The experiment used nonpolarized light to avoid orientation-dependent effects.
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Adjective 2
not sharply divided into opposing camps or positions; lacking strong polarization in opinion or affiliation (used for groups, electorates, committees, etc.).
The council remained nonpolarized on the budget proposal, allowing for compromise.
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Last updated: 2026/01/21 22:53