dialysis

noun

di·​al·​y·​sis dī-ˈa-lə-səs How to pronounce dialysis (audio)
plural dialyses dī-ˈa-lə-ˌsēz How to pronounce dialysis (audio)
1
: the separation of substances in solution by means of their unequal diffusion through semipermeable membranes
especially : such a separation of colloids from soluble substances
2
: the process of removing blood from an artery (as of a patient affected with kidney failure), purifying it by dialysis, adding vital substances, and returning it to a vein

called also hemodialysis

dialytic adjective

Examples of dialysis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Meanwhile the transplant wait list continues to grow, with more than 100,000 patients waiting for kidneys while millions suffer on dialysis without making it to the list. Joshua Mezrich, STAT, 2 Mar. 2024 The mania over these drugs is drawing responses from businesses as varied as airlines, dialysis centers and big box chains, sending stock markets into a frenzy. Emma Court, Fortune Well, 31 Jan. 2024 Anjelica Lee said that her father, who already had a pacemaker, sustained an acute kidney injury in the encounter and is undergoing dialysis. Janelle Griffith, NBC News, 30 Jan. 2024 Anthony Gonzalez, who started dialysis a year later, had plans to take a month-long trip through Europe on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Daniel Wu, Washington Post, 28 Jan. 2024 At Steward's Massachusetts hospitals, CBS News found at least 16 vendors weren't paid on time, including a dialysis company that provided life-saving services. Michael Kaplan, CBS News, 28 Feb. 2024 The people who were able to evacuate today included five dialysis patients and three intensive care patients, the health ministry said. NBC News, 19 Feb. 2024 Kidney disease: Chronic hypertension, elevated blood glucose, and vascular disease can damage the kidneys, eventually leading to kidney failure and a possible need for dialysis. Kelly Wood, Verywell Health, 16 Feb. 2024 Roy immediately started Jeanne on dialysis, which took over her kidneys’ role of filtering her bloodstream, hopefully giving them a chance to heal themselves. Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 16 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dialysis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek, separation, from dialyein to dissolve, from dia- + lyein to loosen — more at lose

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dialysis was in 1861

Dictionary Entries Near dialysis

Cite this Entry

“Dialysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dialysis. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

dialysis

noun
di·​al·​y·​sis dī-ˈal-ə-səs How to pronounce dialysis (audio)
plural dialyses -ə-ˌsēz How to pronounce dialysis (audio)
1
: the separation of substances in solution by means of their unequal diffusion through membranes with pores of a specified maximum size
especially : such a separation of colloids from dissolved substances
2
: the process of removing blood from an artery (as of a patient with failing kidneys), purifying it by dialysis, and returning it to a vein

Medical Definition

dialysis

noun
di·​al·​y·​sis dī-ˈal-ə-səs How to pronounce dialysis (audio)
plural dialyses -ˌsēz How to pronounce dialysis (audio)
1
: the separation of substances in solution by means of their unequal diffusion through semipermeable membranes
especially : such a separation of colloids from soluble substances
2
: either of two medical procedures to remove wastes or toxins from the blood and adjust fluid and electrolyte imbalances by utilizing rates at which substances diffuse through a semipermeable membrane:
a
: the process of removing blood from an artery (as of a kidney patient), purifying it by dialysis, adding vital substances, and returning it to a vein

called also hemodialysis

b
: a procedure performed in the peritoneal cavity in which the peritoneum acts as the semipermeable membrane

called also peritoneal dialysis

dialytic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on dialysis

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