v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Depolarized p. pr. & vb. n. Depolarizing. ] [ Pref. de- + polarize: cf. F. dépolarizer. ] 1. (Opt.) To deprive of polarity; to reduce to an unpolarized condition. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ This word has been inaccurately applied in optics to describe the effect of a polarizing medium, as a crystalline plate, in causing the reappearance of a ray, in consequence of a change in its plane of polarization, which previously to the change was intercepted by the analyzer. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Elec.) To free from polarization, as the negative plate of the voltaic battery. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Elec.) A substance used to prevent polarization, as upon the negative plate of a voltaic battery. [ 1913 Webster ]