Definitions of polarization

1. the condition of having or giving polarity

2. the phenomenon in which waves of light or other radiation are restricted in direction of vibration

3. The act of polarizing; the state of being polarized, or of having polarity.

4. An effect produced upon the plates of a voltaic battery, or the electrodes in an electrolytic cell, by the deposition upon them of the gases liberated by the action of the current. It is chiefly due to the hydrogen, and results in an increase of the resistance, and the setting up of an opposing electro- motive force, both of which tend materially to weaken the current of the battery, or that passing through the cell.

5. ( opt.) A particular modification of rays of light, by the action of certain media or surfaces, so that they cannot be reflected or refracted again in certain directions: state of having polarity.

6. The act of giving polarity to a body; the state of being polarized. Polarization of light, a change produced upon light under the action of certain media, by which it exhibits the appearance of having polarity, or poles possessing different properties.