Panelize

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To separate something into distinct sections or panels ; to fit or cover a surface with flat boards or panels
2. Dividing a larger whole into individual panels ; equipping a wall, ceiling or structure with panelled sheets
3. To break a project or design into separate panel sections ; to line or cover a surface with framed panels

Etymology: "Panelize" is a plain compound of "panel" and the verb-forming suffix "-ize," which means "to make into, or to treat in a particular way." A panel, in the sense of a flat section of a larger surface, came into English from Old French "panel," a diminutive of "pan," meaning a piece of cloth or a section of something. Put the two together and "panelize" describes the act of cutting something into separate flat sections. The suffix does most of the work here. English has long attached "-ize" to nouns to create verbs, and the pattern is productive, so new verbs like this one can be formed on demand whenever a need arises. The result is a word whose meaning can be read straight off its parts: a panel, once made, can be divided into smaller panels.