Homogenize
/həˈmɑːdʒəˌnaɪz/
verbC1
Definition
Homogenize means to mix parts together so they become one even and uniform whole. For example, in milk processing, it means breaking fat into very small pieces so the milk looks and feels the same all the way through. It can also mean making people or ideas more alike by removing differences.
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See It in Action
To mix substances completely so they are uniform
- •The factory homogenizes milk to keep the fat evenly spread.
- •The paint was homogenized to make sure the color was consistent.
- •Before baking, the ingredients are homogenized for a smooth dough.
To make people, ideas, or cultures more similar by removing differences
- •Globalization can homogenize cultures, making them more alike.
- •The school tries not to homogenize students’ opinions but to celebrate differences.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "homogenize" like "mix" (A1 word), but with the goal to make everything exactly the same, not just combined
- ✓Picture stirring cream into coffee until the color is smooth and one shade, with no spots or layers
- ✓It's the feeling of calm when everything looks balanced and equal, without surprises or differences
- ✓Sounds like "home-judge-nize" → imagine a judge making everyone equal at home by mixing all things fairly
- ✓Imagine a factory machine that mixes milk so fat does not separate and every sip tastes the same
- ✓NOT like "mix" (which can leave parts still different), "homogenize" means no parts stand out — all is uniform
- ✓NOT like "blend" (which can keep some differences), "homogenize" removes all visible differences
- ✓NOT like "standardize" (which sets rules), "homogenize" physically or visibly makes things the same by mixing
Try Other Words
- •Blend: to combine parts smoothly (Use when parts are combined but may still have small differences)
- •Standardize: to make things follow the same rules or form (Use when focusing on rules or formats, not physical mixing)
- •Unify: to make into one group or whole (Use when focusing on bringing things together socially or conceptually, not physically mixing)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "homo-" (same) + "genize" (from "genus," meaning kind or type)
- •Etymology: From Greek "homos" meaning same and Latin "genus" meaning kind or type, combined to mean making the same kind
- •Historical development: First used in scientific contexts in the late 19th century for mixing milk and other liquids evenly
- •Modern usage: Used in food industry, science, and social sciences to describe making things uniform or similar
Reflect & Connect
•How does homogenizing food products affect their taste and texture compared to natural products?
•Can homogenizing ideas or cultures be good or bad? When might it help or harm diversity?
Fill in the blanks
1.Factories homogenize milk to ___ the fat so it does not separate and create ___ layers.
2.When people try to homogenize cultures, they often remove ___ and make traditions more ___.
3.Homogenize means to mix parts so well that you cannot ___ one part from another.
4.Unlike "mix," homogenize makes the mixture completely ___ and uniform.
5.The paint was homogenized before use to ensure ___ color across the entire wall.
6.Homogenizing ideas can lead to ___ thinking, where everyone has very similar opinions.
7.In cooking, ingredients must be homogenized to create a ___ texture in the final dish.