What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
repolarize
Example
The cardiac muscle cells repolarize after each heartbeat. [repolarize: verb]
Example
The repolarization phase of an action potential is when the membrane potential returns to its resting state. [repolarization: noun]
depolarize
Example
The neuron depolarizes when it receives a stimulus. [depolarize: verb]
Example
Depolarization of the heart muscle cells triggers the contraction of the heart. [depolarization: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Depolarize is more commonly used than repolarize in scientific and medical contexts. Depolarization is a fundamental concept in neuroscience and cardiology, while repolarization is a more specialized term used in these fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between repolarize and depolarize?
Both repolarize and depolarize are formal terms used in scientific and medical contexts. They are not commonly used in everyday language.
