Definition of: ionization

(ī′ən·ə·zā′shən, -ī·zā′-) noun
1. Chem. The breaking apart of electrolytes into anions and cations, by solution or other process, mechanical or chemical; electrolytic dissociation.
2. Physics The generation of ions by radioactivity.
—degree of ionization The fraction of the molecules of an electrolyte dissociated or ionized at a given temperature and concentration of solution, usually expressed as a percentage.