sen·si·tize (s n s -t z )v. sen·si·tized, sen·si·tiz·ing, sen·si·tiz·es v.tr. 1. To make sensitive: "The polarity principle . . . sensitizes the observer to the coexistence of seemingly contradictory phenomena" (Heinz Eulau). 2. To make (a film or plate) sensitive to light, especially to light of a specific wavelength. 3. To make hypersensitive or reactive to an antigen, such as pollen, especially by a second or repeated exposure. v.intr. To become sensitive or hypersensitive. [sensit(ive) + -ize.] sen si·ti·zation (-t-z sh n) n.sen si·tizer n. |
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| Noun | 1. | sensitizer - (chemistry) a substance other than a catalyst that facilitates the start of a catalytic reaction chemical science, chemistry - the science of matter; the branch of the natural sciences dealing with the composition of substances and their properties and reactions activator - (biology) any agency bringing about activation; a molecule that increases the activity of an enzyme or a protein that increases the production of a gene product in DNA transcription |
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