homogenize

verb

ho·​mog·​e·​nize hō-ˈmä-jə-ˌnīz 

hə-

homogenized; homogenizing

transitive verb

1

a

: to blend (diverse elements) into a mixture that is the same throughout

b

: to make uniform in structure or composition throughout : to make homogeneous

2

a

: to reduce to small particles of uniform size and distribute evenly usually in a liquid

b

: to reduce the particles of so that they are uniformly small and evenly distributed

specifically : to break up the fat globules of (milk) into very fine particles

As a chemist, he developed equipment to homogenize milk

—Matt Stiles

intransitive verb

: to become uniform in structure or composition throughout : to become homogenized

homogenizer noun

Synonyms

• formalize
• normalize
• regularize
• standardize

Examples of homogenize in a Sentence

The new curriculum is an attempt to homogenize education throughout the county.

plans to homogenize the science curriculum in public high schools throughout the state

Recent Examples on the Web

The mix is homogenized, then cooled and aged for 24 hours at 5 degrees Celsius (40 Fahrenheit), for an even richer, smoother taste before it’s frozen. —Alex Christian, WIRED, 4 Oct. 2024

In a world where even luxury travel can feel homogenized, there’s a certain poetry to the growth in high-end rail journeys that are idiosyncratic—and intentionally not high-speed. —Jd Shadel, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Oct. 2024

Once these polities were homogenized—to the point that the majority were confessionally aligned with the sovereign prince and the minority lacked the numbers and power to effectively challenge the status quo—there was much less incentive for the other princes to meddle. —Selim Can Sazak, Foreign Affairs, 27 Oct. 2016

The lighting feels unnatural, the shading overwhelms, the movement stiffens, and the joy of play disappears in a homogenizing portrayal of a child running with their back turned to us. —Gerui Wang, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

homogen(eous) + -ize

Note: Compare earlier French homogénéiser, which preserves the -e- of Latin homogeneus.

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Kids Definition

homogenize

verb

ho·​mog·​e·​nize hō-ˈmäj-ə-ˌnīz 

hə-

homogenized; homogenizing

1

: to make homogeneous

2

a

: to reduce to small particles of uniform size and distribute evenly

homogenize peanut butter

homogenize paint

b

: to break up the fat of (milk) into very fine particles

homogenization

-ˌmäj-ə-nə-ˈzā-shən

noun

homogenizer

-ˈmäj-ə-ˌnī-zər

noun

Medical Definition

homogenize

verb

ho·​mog·​e·​nize

variants also British homogenise

hō-ˈmäj-ə-ˌnīz, hə- 

homogenized also British homogenised; homogenizing also British homogenising

transitive verb

1

: to make homogeneous

2

a

: to reduce to small particles of uniform size and distribute evenly usually in a liquid

b

: to reduce the particles of so that they are uniformly small and evenly distributed

specifically : to break up the fat globules of (milk) into very fine particles especially by forcing through minute openings

intransitive verb

: to become homogenized