Pronunciation: [pˌə͡ʊləɹa͡ɪzˈe͡ɪʃən] (IPA) 
The word "polarization" is spelled with a "z" instead of an "s" due to its Greek origin. The Greek word "polos" (meaning "axis" or "pole") was transformed into the Latin word "polaris" (meaning "relating to the pole"). The suffix "-ize" was added along with the prefix "poly-" to create the word "polarize." The pronunciation of the word is [\pəʊləraɪˈzeɪʃən\] with the primary stress on the second syllable.
Polarization refers to the process or state of dividing or causing something to be divided into two or more contrasting factions, groups, or positions. It is the creation or deepening of fundamental divisions or differences among individuals or groups, usually resulting in a separation or divergence of beliefs, opinions, values, or interests.
In societal or political contexts, polarization often occurs when there is a significant shift or intensification in ideological or partisan differences, resulting in the formation of opposing groups with little room for compromise or cooperation. This phenomenon frequently leads to antagonism, hostility, or even open conflict between these opposing factions. Polarization can manifest in various forms, such as ideological polarization, where individuals or groups increasingly adhere to extreme or radical beliefs, or partisan polarization, characterized by heightened loyalty or identification with a specific political party or ideology.
In physics, polarization refers to the alignment of electromagnetic waves, such as light or radio waves, in a specific orientation. It occurs when waves oscillate predominantly in one direction or plane instead of oscillating in all possible directions. Polarization can be linear, circular, or elliptical, indicating the orientation and shape of the wave's oscillation.
Overall, regardless of the field of study, polarization denotes a division or separation into distinct and often opposing entities, be it ideological, partisan, or electromagnetic.
1. In electricity, the coating of the copper plate of an electric cell with a thick layer of hydrogen bubbles, with the result that the action of the battery is weakened or arrested. 2. A change effected in a ray of light passing through certain media, whereby the transverse vibrations occur in one plane only, instead of in all planes as in the ordinary light ray.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "polarization" has its roots in the Latin word "polaris", which means "of or pertaining to the pole". The term was derived from the Latin word "polus", meaning "end, extremity", which originates from the Greek word "polos", referring to the axis of a celestial body or the end of a line segment. The Latin suffix "-ation" was added to form "polarization", creating a noun that denotes the process or state of having distinct or opposing characteristics or opinions, similar to the way the earth's poles are diametrically opposite.
