/poh'leuhr euh zay"sheuhn/ , n.
1. a sharp division, as of a population or group, into opposing factions.
2. Optics. a state, or the production of a state, in which rays of light or similar radiation exhibit different properties in different directions. Cf. circular polarization, elliptical polarization, plane polarization .
3. Elect.
a. the deposit of gases, produced during electrolysis, on the electrodes of a cell, increasing the resistance of the cell.
b. a vector quantity indicating the electric dipole moment per unit of volume of a dielectric.
c. the induction of polarity in a ferromagnetic substance.
4. the production or acquisition of polarity.
[ 1805-15; POLARIZE + -ATION ]