repolarization

noun

re·​po·​lar·​i·​za·​tion ˌrē-ˌpō-lə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

: restoration of the difference in charge between the inside and outside of the cell membrane following depolarization

repolarize

(ˌ)rē-ˈpō-lə-ˌrīz 

verb

Examples of repolarization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This prolongs the repolarization phase (a phase where the cell becomes more negatively charged). —Mary Choy, Verywell Health, 5 Sep. 2024

If a person gets hit in the chest during the fraction of a second that repolarization is occurring, the impact can trigger some of the electrical signals before the heart is ready. —Wendy Tzou, Fortune, 4 Jan. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

repolarization

noun

re·​po·​lar·​iza·​tion

variants also British repolarisation

ˌrē-pō-lə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

: restoration of the difference in charge between the inside and outside of the plasma membrane of a muscle fiber or cell following depolarization

repolarize verb

also British repolarise

(ˈ)rē-ˈpō-lə-ˌrīz 

repolarized also British repolarised; repolarizing also British repolarising