naturalize

(nac̸hər əl īz′, nac̸hrə līz′)

transitive verb naturalized, naturalizing

  1. to confer the rights of citizenship upon (an alien)
  2. to adopt and make common (a custom, word, etc.) from another country or place
  3. to adapt (a plant or animal) to a new environment; acclimate
  4. to explain (occurrences) by natural law, rejecting supernatural influence
  5. to make natural or less artificial; free from conventionality

Origin: Fr naturaliser: see natural & -ize

intransitive verb

  1. to become naturalized, or as if native
  2. to study nature

Related Forms:

See naturalize in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb nat·u·ral·ized, nat·u·ral·iz·ing, nat·u·ral·iz·es
verb, transitive
  1. To grant full citizenship to (one of foreign birth).
  2. To adopt (something foreign) into general use.
  3. To adapt or acclimate (a plant or animal) to a new environment; introduce and establish as if native.
  4. To cause to conform to nature.
verb, intransitive
To become naturalized or acclimated; undergo adaptation.

Related Forms:

  • natˌu·ral·izˈa·ble adjective
  • natˌu·ral·i·zaˈtion (-lĭ-zāˈshən) noun

Learn more about naturalize

link/cite print suggestion box