Aerosolized: meaning, definitions and examples
💨
aerosolized
[ ˌɛəroʊˈsɑːl aɪzd ]
science term
Aerosolized refers to substances that have been converted into tiny particles or droplets and suspended in a gas, typically air. This process enables the distribution of the substance in a way that can be inhaled or dispersed over an area. Aerosolized materials vary widely in their applications, from medical inhalers to spray paints.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The medication was aerosolized for easier inhalation.
- Aerosolized particles can affect air quality.
- Many household cleaners are aerosolized for convenience.
- The virus can become aerosolized and spread more easily.
Etymology
The term 'aerosolized' is derived from 'aerosol', which itself comes from a combination of the Greek words 'aero', meaning 'air', and 'sol' from the Latin 'solutio', meaning 'solution'. The concept of aerosols began to gain traction in the late 19th century as scientists studied particles suspended in the atmosphere. The word 'aerosol' was first used in the 1920s to describe a colloid of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air. The verb form 'aerosolize' emerged later in the 20th century as the technology for creating aerosol sprays developed, prominently in the fields of medicine and consumer products, allowing for the effective delivery of substances via inhalation or surface application.