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Glite Dictionary
delocalized

delocalized

6.9
Not kept in one place, for example electrons that spread across a molecule
  • adjective
  • /ˌdiːˈloʊkəˌlaɪzd/
  • US
translation icon : deslocalizado
  • The reason we can form this carbon in here is because this negative charge is delocalized throughout the entire ring system.

How would your consciousness handle your body being delocalized in space?

Examples

  • But since it's delocalized on the scale of the whole horizon, there's no sense to ask where it fell in.

  • In chemistry, the electrons in a delocalized state contribute to the stability of the molecule.

  • How would your consciousness handle your body being delocalized in space?

    TED-Ed

  • The painting techniques used give the colors a delocalized effect, blending them seamlessly across the canvas.

  • In quantum physics, a delocalized electron can exist in multiple locations simultaneously without being bound to a single atom.

Antonyms

localized
  • US
4.8

Found only in one small area

How Localized

confined
3.7
localized
  • US
4.8
delocalized
  • US
6.9
to spread out
24 3.1

Surface Forms

delocalized positive
delocalised positive

Morphology

delocalized = delocalize (semi-transparent) = de + local + ize + ed

The adjective is a regular participial form of the verb delocalize.

Etymology

Delocalized breaks into de- meaning 'away' or 'remove' and localize from local meaning 'place', so it literally means 'taken away from one place'. That's why in chemistry delocalized electrons or charge are not stuck on one atom but are spread out over several atoms.