sonicate

son i cate |ˈsänikāt ˈsɑnɪkeɪt |Biochemistry ▶verb [ with obj. ] (usu. be sonicated ) subject (a biological sample ) to ultrasonic vibration so as to fragment the cells, macromolecules, and membranes. ▶noun a biological sample that has been subjected to such treatment. ORIGIN 1950s: from sonic + -ate 2 .

sonicate

sonicate |ˈsɒnɪkeɪt |Biochemistry ▶verb [ with obj. ] subject (a biological sample ) to ultrasonic vibration so as to fragment the cells, macromolecules, and membranes. ▶noun a biological sample which has been sonicated. DERIVATIVES sonication noun ORIGIN 1950s: from sonic + -ate 2 .