1. to reduce or eliminate the polarization of something, especially light or an electric field
Usage: chiefly British spelling; American English uses 'depolarize'; technical term used in physics and optics
2. to reduce the electrical potential difference across a cell membrane, especially a nerve or muscle cell
Usage: chiefly British spelling; American English uses 'depolarize'; technical term used in physiology and neuroscience

Examples

• The filter was designed to depolarise the incoming light beam.
• During an action potential, sodium ions enter the cell and depolarise the membrane.
• The optical system uses a special coating to depolarise reflected radiation.
• When a nerve cell is stimulated, the influx of positive ions depolarises the cell membrane.
• Scientists depolarise the sample to study its electromagnetic properties.