homogenized, ppl. a.
(həˈmɒdʒɪnaɪzd)
[f. homogenize v. + -ed1.]
1. Rendered uniform throughout in composition or character; loosely, = homogeneous a. 2.
| 1935 G. E. Doan Princ. Physical Metall. iv. 140 The true solidus line of alloys of this kind is..determined..by reheating specimens of a completely homogenized alloy. 1959 Observer 29 Mar. 15/4 As for his [sc. the novelist's] 1980s these are just a little more prefabricated and homogenised than our time. 1964 M. McLuhan Understanding Media (1967) i. v. 60 The fragmented man creates the homogenized Western world, while oral societies are made up of people differentiated..by their unique emotional mixes. 1967 N.Y. Times (Internat. ed.) 11–12 Feb. 4/7 The time for studying people in different environments is running out. The world is becoming homogenized. |
b. esp. of milk, cream, etc.: having the globules of fat reduced in size and distributed throughout the liquid; also of other emulsions (see homogenize v. 1 b).
| 1904 Sci. Amer. 16 Apr. 315 Homogenized milk, a trade-name for milk which has been heated to 185°F. and forced by heavy pressure through a number of very fine openings. 1913 Pharmaceutical Jrnl. 24 May 734/1 Homogenised oil emulsions are permanent for an almost indefinite time. 1923 W. Clayton Theory Emulsions viii. 123 In America homogenised cream is extensively used in the manufacture of ice-cream, where a smooth texture is demanded. 1951 Good Housek. Home Encycl. 509/1 Homogenised milk is considered more quickly digestible on account of the fineness of the fat globules. 1963 Observer 5 May 9/5 A sales drive by dairymen to popularise homogenised milk and collect an extra halfpenny a pint is gathering momentum. 1969 Daily Colonist (Victoria, B.C.) 24 Sept. 9/3 (Advt.), Empress pure peanut butter. Homogenized, regular or chunk style. |
2. Of various things in respect of each other: not readily differentiated; similar in nature, meaning, etc. (Used when an expected or desirable difference is not found.)
| 1958 Vogue Oct. 153 Beside this deeply particular tragedy, Mr Eliot's homogenized characters seem insufficient. 1959 N. Mailer Advts. for Myself (1961) 210 Each reference to yourself as individual as a carloading of homogenized words. 1970 New York 16 Nov. 50/2 Even these words have become murky, homogenized. |