ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷_nə̇ˈzāshən, -ˌnīˈz- noun
( -s )
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary vulcanize + -ation
1. : the act or process of treating crude rubber, synthetic rubber, or other plastic rubberlike material with a chemical (as sulfur or a compound of sulfur) to decrease its plasticity, tackiness, and sensitivity to heat and cold and to give it useful properties (as elasticity, strength, and stability) — see accelerator , cold cure , open cure
2. : the act or process of treating (as for hardening) various materials in any of various ways — compare vulcanized fiber , vulcanized oil