polarization etymology

Etymology:

The word "polarization" is derived from the Greek words "polos" (pole) and "-izein" (to make).

Meaning:

Polarization refers to the process of becoming or causing to become aligned in opposing directions or groups. It can be used in various contexts, including:

• Physics: The separation of electric or magnetic charges into positive and negative regions.
• Sociology: The division of a group into opposing factions or viewpoints.
• Communication: The process of transmitting and receiving signals in a specific electromagnetic polarization (e.g., vertical or horizontal).

Origin:

The concept of polarization was first used in the context of physics during the early 19th century by scientists like Michael Faraday. They observed that when an electric current flows through a material, it can align the electric charges within it, creating a polarized state.

In the social sciences, the term "polarization" began to be used in the early 20th century to describe the division of societies into opposing groups, often along ideological, political, or economic lines. This usage gained prominence in the aftermath of World War II, as societies around the world experienced intense political and social conflicts.

polarization relate terms

• polarize

  Etymology Latin polarizāre to bring to a pole or extremity Greek polos spinnin

• polar

  Etymology The word polar originates from the Greek word polos meaning axis pivot

• depolarization

  Etymology Depolarization is derived from the Greek words de prefix meaning awa

• polarization

  Etymology The word polarization is derived from the Greek words polos pole and i

• Polaroid

  Etymology The word Polaroid is a compound of two Greek roots Polar πόλος

• status

  Etymology The word status comes from the Latin word status which means standing po

• condition

  Etymology Middle English condicioun from Old French condicion from Latin conditio

• arcane

  Etymology Latin arcanus hidden secret mysterious Late Latin arcanum mystery

• exacerbation

  Etymology Latin exacerbāre irritate stimulate from ex out acerbāre make b

• translate

  Etymology The word etymology comes from the Greek words étymon meaning true sense

• skeptic

  Etymology Latin scēpticus from Greek skeptikos inquiring derived from skeptesth

• solace

  Etymology The word solace comes from the Old French word solacier meaning to comfo

• quit

  Etymology The word quit comes from the Old French word quiter which means to give