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Polarisation: meaning, definitions and examples

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polarisation

 

[ ˌpəʊləraɪˈzeɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

physical science

The action of restricting the vibrations of a transverse wave, especially light, wholly or partially to one direction.

Synonyms

alignment, direction, orientation

Examples of usage

  • The polarisation of light can be achieved by passing it through a polarising filter.
  • Polarisation is an important concept in the study of electromagnetic waves.
Context #2 | Noun

politics

The sharp division of a population or group into opposing factions.

Synonyms

conflict, division, split

Examples of usage

  • The polarisation of political parties has made it difficult to find common ground.
  • The polarisation of public opinion on this issue is evident.

Translations

Translations of the word "polarisation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 polarização

🇮🇳 ध्रुवीकरण (Dhruvīkraṇ)

🇩🇪 Polarisation

🇮🇩 polarisasi

🇺🇦 поляризація

🇵🇱 polaryzacja

🇯🇵 偏光 (へんこう, henkō)

🇫🇷 polarisation

🇪🇸 polarización

🇹🇷 kutuplaşma

🇰🇷 편광 (pyeongwang)

🇸🇦 استقطاب (istiqtāb)

🇨🇿 polarizace

🇸🇰 polarizácia

🇨🇳 极化 (jíhuà)

🇸🇮 polarizacija

🇮🇸 skautun

🇰🇿 поляризация

🇬🇪 პოლარიზაცია (pol'arizatsia)

🇦🇿 qütbləşmə

🇲🇽 polarización

Etymology

The word 'polarisation' originated from the Latin word 'polaris' meaning 'of or relating to the pole'. It was first used in the mid 19th century in the context of physical sciences to describe the alignment of vibrations in a specific direction. Over time, the term has also been adapted to describe the sharp division or conflict within social or political groups, reflecting the opposite ends or poles of opinion or belief.

See also: nonpolar, polar, polarization, polarizing, unpolar.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,515, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.