atomizationn.
/ˌatəmʌɪˈzeɪʃn/, U.S. /ˌædəməˈzeɪʃ(ə)n/, /ˌædəˌmaɪˈzeɪʃ(ə)n/ 1. The process of reducing to minute particles or droplets, spec. of reducing liquids to a fine spray (e.g. for use in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations); the result of such a process.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > creation > destruction > grinding or pounding > [noun]
grindc1200
grinding1340
contritionc1384
brayingc1440
milling1466
braisinga1500
comminution1578
pealing1582
pounding1591
contusion1617
pulping1640
pistillation1646
trituration1646
triture1657
commolition1658
grist1676
porphyrization1771
comminuting1776
atomization1865
micronization1941
micronizing1941
the world > matter > liquid > liquid flow > action or process of spraying > [noun] > conversion or reduction into spray or mist
pulverization1861
atomization1865
nebulization1868
nebulizing1874
1865 B. Fincke On High Potencies & Homoeopathics 78 If we herein do not adopt Goullon's phraseology of atoms and atomization, we only give up his nomenclature.
1875 H. C. Wood Treat. Therapeutics (1879) 522 The use of drugs by atomization... A solution of the medicine is broken up by a mechanical contrivance into a fine spray and projected into the back of the mouth.
1907 Lancet 14 Sept. 753/2 When the inhalation consists of an atomised liquid I admit the result is more doubtful. It will largely depend upon the fineness of the atomisation.
1943 Science 8 Jan. 51/1 The apparatus..utilizes the principle of atomization to coat the bacterial particles with a layer of liquid.
2001 Proc. Royal Soc. A. 457 1325 Parametric instability is known to be one of several mechanisms important in ultrasonic atomization and emulsification.
2. In extended use: the action or process of reducing or dividing into small units; fragmentation of something.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > separation > separation or breaking up into constituent parts > [noun] > incohesion > separation into small pieces
macadamization1847
atomization1875
fragmentation1881
fragmentization1951
1875 Overland Monthly Oct. 324/1 A man..capable, by turns, of microscopic atomization, on the one hand, and of being a cosmographer of worlds on the other.
1935 Archit. Rev. 78 86/2 The characteristically capitalist atomization of society into isolated economic units.
1953 A. K. C. Ottaway Educ. & Society v. 98 The break-down or ‘atomization’ of the process into one operation per worker leads to a lack of interest.
1983 Washington Post (Nexis) 11 Feb. a23 The Democrats appear determined to encourage the further fragmentation and atomization of the electorate.
2006 Christianity Today Apr. 45/2 True humanism will demolish the iPod society—not the device itself, but the social atomization that it represents.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2008; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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n.1865