unionized
UK: ˈjuːnɪənaɪzd | US: ˈjuːnɪənaɪzd
Definition
adj. (Chemistry) Not ionized; lacking an electric charge.
adj. (Labor) Organized into or belonging to a labor union.
Structure
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Etymology
The word "unionized" is a fascinating example of a homograph—two distinct words with identical spellings but different origins and meanings.
- Labor Context: Derived from "union" (from Latin unio "oneness") + "-ize" (Greek-derived verb suffix) + "-ed" (past participle). Refers to the process of forming or joining a labor union.
- Chemistry Context: Formed by adding the prefix "un-" (Old English "not") to "ionized" (from Greek ion "going," referring to charged particles). Describes molecules lacking an electric charge.
The dual meanings arose independently, showcasing how English layers Latin/Greek roots with Germanic prefixes.
Examples
The factory workers became unionized to negotiate better wages.
Distilled water is unionized because it lacks free ions.
Management resisted efforts to make the workforce unionized.
In its unionized state, the gas is less reactive.
The unionized employees voted to strike.