oolarization (po-lar-iz-a's hun). i

In optics, the induction of a peculiar condition by virtue of which a ray of light, instead of vibrating as usual in all planes transverse to its line of propagation, vibrates in one plane only (plane of p.). P. may be induced by reflection from surfaces placed at a special angle (angle of p.), or by transmi ion through certain media, the doubly refractive crystals especially. 2. Of a galvanic battery, the collection of bubbles of hydrogen on the negative plate, and oxygen on the positive plate, whereby the generation of the current is interfered with, chromatic p. P. accompanied by a peculiar play of colors; a phenomenon observed when doubly refracting crystals or singly refracting substances, which have undergone distortion of their structure, are seen by polarized light, circular p. The rotation of the plane of p. to the left or right, di-electric p. The condition of a non-conductor when strained under the action of two adjacent charges of positive and negative electricity, electrolytic p., galvanic p. See p. (2d def.). [Lat., polar is, polar.]