Standard Lemma guide

linearize

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To render an object linear.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To treat in a linear manner.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

make linear or get into a linear form

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • a catalyst linearizes polyethylene

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: linearise

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: adjust, set, correct

History

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *līnomder. Proto-Italic *līnom Latin līnum Proto-Indo-European *-yósder. Proto-Indo-European *-éyos Proto-Italic *-ejos Proto-Italic *-eos Latin -eus Latin līneus Latin līnea Proto-Indo-European *h2el-der.? Proto-Italic *-ālis Latin -ālis Latin -āris Latin līneārisbor. English linear Proto-Indo-European *-id- Proto-Indo-European *-yéti Proto-Indo-European *-idyéti Proto-Hellenic *-íďďō Ancient Greek -ῐ́ζω (-ĭ́zō)bor. Late Latin -izōder. Middle French -iserbor. Middle English -isen English -ize English linearize From linear + -ize.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: linearisoida — to make linear
  • French: linéariser — to make linear