naturalize
nat·u·ral·ize / ˈnachərəˌlīz/ • v. [tr.] 1. (often be/become naturalized) admit (a foreigner) to the citizenship of a country: he was born in a foreign country and had never been naturalized | [as adj.] (naturalized) a naturalized U.S. citizen born in Germany. ∎ [intr.] (of a foreigner) be admitted to the citizenship of a country: the opportunity to naturalize as American. ∎ alter (an adopted foreign word) so that it conforms more closely to the phonology or orthography of the adopting language: the stoccafisso of Liguria was naturalized in Nice as stocoficada.2. [usu. as adj.] (naturalized) Biol. establish (a plant or animal) so that it lives wild in a region where it is not indigenous: native and naturalized species | black mustard has become naturalized in America. ∎ establish (a cultivated plant) in a natural situation: this species of crocus naturalizes itself very easily. ∎ [intr.] (of a cultivated plant) become established in a natural situation: these perennials should be planted where they can naturalize.3. regard as or cause to appear natural: although women do more child care than men, feminists should beware of naturalizing that fact. ∎ explain (a phenomenon) in a naturalistic way.DERIVATIVES: nat·u·ral·i·za·tion / ˌnachərələˈzāshən/ n.