This paper yields an overview on the evolution of the concept of polarization applied to electrochemical systems, ranging from electrodes to cells. The historical discussion starts at the early phase of the development of electrochemistry when current-controlled measurements were possible only, and when the early definitions of polarization, depolarization and depolarizer were created. A number of contemporary handbooks, recommendations and other reference resources are listed in which these concepts are represented in various ways, from conservative definitions to attempts of redefining them. The traditional definitions are confronted with the everyday use of professional language, drawing attention to the fact that the widespread application of potential-controlled electrochemical measurements led to new meanings. Some suggestions are made that open room for the application of the term of polarization in accord with the modern methodologies, without compromising the traditional introduction of the term. Polarization-related phenomena in biological membranes are not dealt with in the present work.

本文概述了从电极到电池，应用于电化学系统的极化概念的演变。历史讨论始于电化学发展的早期阶段，当时只能进行电流控制的测量，以及极化，去极化和去极化器的早期定义被创造。列出了许多当代手册，建议和其他参考资源，其中以保守的定义到重新定义它们的各种方式来表示这些概念。传统的定义面临着专业语言的日常使用，引起人们的注意，即电位控制电化学测量的广泛应用带来了新的含义。提出了一些建议，即在不损害传统术语引入的情况下，为按照现代方法使用极化术语开辟空间。生物膜中与极化有关的现象在当前工作中未得到解决。