How Do You Spell HYPERPOLARIZE?

Pronunciation: [hˌa͡ɪpəpˈə͡ʊləɹˌa͡ɪz] (IPA)

Hyperpolarize is a physiological term commonly used in neuroscience that refers to an increase in the negative charge within a neuron. The correct spelling of this word is hʌɪpərpɒləraɪz. The initial "h" is not pronounced, and the stress falls on the second syllable, which is pronounced "puh" with a schwa sound. The last syllable is pronounced "raiz," with a long "a" sound followed by a voiced "z" sound. The spelling of this word is based on its Greek origin, with the prefix "hyper-" meaning "over" or "above" and the root "-polarize" referring to the polarity of a neuron's membrane potential.

HYPERPOLARIZE Meaning and Definition

1. Hyperpolarize is a term used in the field of physiology and neurobiology to describe a specific change in the electrical potential of a cell membrane or neuron. It refers to the process by which the cell membrane becomes even more negatively charged than its resting state, resulting in an increased voltage difference across the membrane.

   In a resting or polarized state, the cell membrane maintains a typical electrical potential difference, with the inside of the cell being negatively charged relative to the outside. When hyperpolarization occurs, this potential difference increases further, making the inside of the cell even more negative.

   Hyperpolarization can be induced by various mechanisms. One common method is through the opening of ion channels that allow the selective movement of ions across the membrane. For example, the opening of potassium channels can cause an efflux of potassium ions, leading to hyperpolarization. Additionally, the closing of cation channels, such as sodium or calcium channels, can prevent the entry of positive ions, resulting in a more negative internal environment.

   Hyperpolarization plays a significant role in the regulation of neuronal activity, particularly in the process of signaling and transmitting information. It increases the threshold required for an incoming signal to reach the level necessary to trigger an action potential, making the neuron less likely to fire. This process is crucial for maintaining proper neural signaling, as hyperpolarization helps prevent uncontrolled firing and maintains the balance between excitation and inhibition in the nervous system.

Etymology of HYPERPOLARIZE

The word "hyperpolarize" has a scientific etymology.

It is formed by combining two elements: "hyper-" and "-polarize".

1. "Hyper-" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "huper" meaning "over" or "beyond". In scientific terminology, it often indicates an increase or exaggeration of the usual state or function.

2. "-Polarize" is derived from the word "polarize", which is formed from the noun "polar" meaning "opposite extremes or contrasts". In a scientific context, it refers to the process of creating or inducing polarity or electrical charge separation.

When "hyper-" and "-polarize" are combined, the word "hyperpolarize" is formed, which in scientific terms refers to the process of excessively increasing the polarization or electrical potential difference across a cell membrane, making the inside more negative compared to the outside.

Conjugate verb Hyperpolarize

CONDITIONAL

I would hyperpolarize

you would hyperpolarize

he/she/it would hyperpolarize

we would hyperpolarize

they would hyperpolarize

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be hyperpolarizing

you would be hyperpolarizing

he/she/it would be hyperpolarizing

we would be hyperpolarizing

they would be hyperpolarizing

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have hyperpolarize

you would have hyperpolarize

he/she/it would have hyperpolarize

we would have hyperpolarize

they would have hyperpolarize

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been hyperpolarizing

you would have been hyperpolarizing

he/she/it would have been hyperpolarizing

we would have been hyperpolarizing

they would have been hyperpolarizing

FUTURE

I will hyperpolarize

you will hyperpolarize

he/she/it will hyperpolarize

we will hyperpolarize

they will hyperpolarize

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be hyperpolarizing

you will be hyperpolarizing

he/she/it will be hyperpolarizing

we will be hyperpolarizing

they will be hyperpolarizing

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have hyperpolarized

you will have hyperpolarized

he/she/it will have hyperpolarized

we will have hyperpolarized

they will have hyperpolarized

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been hyperpolarizing

you will have been hyperpolarizing

he/she/it will have been hyperpolarizing

we will have been hyperpolarizing

they will have been hyperpolarizing

IMPERATIVE

you hyperpolarize

we let´s hyperpolarize

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to hyperpolarize

PAST

I hyperpolarized

you hyperpolarized

he/she/it hyperpolarized

we hyperpolarized

they hyperpolarized

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was hyperpolarizing

you were hyperpolarizing

he/she/it was hyperpolarizing

we were hyperpolarizing

they were hyperpolarizing

PAST PARTICIPLE

hyperpolarized

PAST PERFECT

I had hyperpolarized

you had hyperpolarized

he/she/it had hyperpolarized

we had hyperpolarized

they had hyperpolarized

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been hyperpolarizing

you had been hyperpolarizing

he/she/it had been hyperpolarizing

we had been hyperpolarizing

they had been hyperpolarizing

PRESENT

I hyperpolarize

you hyperpolarize

he/she/it hyperpolarizes

we hyperpolarize

they hyperpolarize

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am hyperpolarizing

you are hyperpolarizing

he/she/it is hyperpolarizing

we are hyperpolarizing

they are hyperpolarizing

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

hyperpolarizing

PRESENT PERFECT

I have hyperpolarized

you have hyperpolarized

he/she/it has hyperpolarized

we have hyperpolarized

they have hyperpolarized

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been hyperpolarizing

you have been hyperpolarizing

he/she/it has been hyperpolarizing

we have been hyperpolarizing

they have been hyperpolarizing