activation

Forms

activation f (plural activations)^[1]

Etymology

The Grand Robert and the GLLF take it as formed from French activer + -ation;^[2][3][1] the TLFi derives it from the adjective actif with the same suffix.^[4]

Earliest recorded meaning

The Grand Robert finds it in 1904 in the Revue générale des sciences.^[2] The TLFi's first record is in the Larousse mensuel illustré of 1910, in physics, for giving a medium radioactive properties.^[4]

Semantic evolution

It entered as a scientific term: in chemistry and physics, the increase of a substance's physical or chemical properties, often by exposing it to radiation, and in physiology the changes caused in the egg by fertilisation.^[5][4][6] The GLLF also records a psychological use, for a tendency that becomes conscious after a maturation or an emotional shock.^[3] In everyday language it means making something active or speeding it up.^[5][6]

Timeline

• 1904 – Recorded in the Revue générale des sciences.^[2]
• 1910 – The Larousse mensuel illustré gives it in physics.^[4][3]

Meanings

Noun

1. (chemistry) The process of increasing the physical or chemical properties of a substance, usually by exposing it to radiation.^[5][6]
2. (biochemistry) The activation of an enzyme.^[5]
3. (physics) Énergie d'activation: the energy a molecule needs to pass from a metastable state to an unstable one.^[5]
4. (physiology) The set of changes produced in the egg by fertilisation.^[5][4][6]
5. The act of making something active or becoming active, or of speeding it up: l'activation des négociations.^[5][6]

Related words

• activer
• actif

References

1. ^ a b c Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
2. ^ a b c Rey, Alain, ed. (2005), Le Grand Robert de la langue française, electronic version, Paris: Le Robert
3. ^ a b c Guilbert, Louis; Lagane, René; Niobey, Georges, eds. (1971–1978; 1989), Grand Larousse de la langue française, Paris: Larousse
4. ^ a b c d e Trésor de la langue française informatisé (2004), ATILF – CNRS & Université de Lorraine, atilf.fr/tlfi; electronic version of Imbs, Paul; Quemada, Bernard, eds. (1971–1994), Trésor de la langue française, Paris: CNRS / Gallimard
5. ^ a b c d e f g Rey-Debove, Josette; Rey, Alain, eds. (2007), Le Petit Robert de la langue française, Paris: Le Robert
6. ^ a b c d e Dictionnaire de français Larousse, larousse.fr/dictionnaires/francais (accessed 2024)