The word "sonicate" refers to the process of using sound waves to break down particles or dissolve substances. In scientific research, this is often done to extract DNA or other molecules, or to prepare samples for analysis. Some alternative words that may be used in place of "sonicate" include "ultrasonicate," "sonify," "vibrate," "disperse," or "homogenize." These terms all refer to the process of breaking down particles, but may be more or less specific depending on the context. Regardless of the terminology used, sonication is a powerful tool for many areas of scientific research, from biology to chemistry to materials science.