Main Entry: di·al·y·sis

Pronunciation: \dī-ˈa-lə-səs\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural di·al·y·ses \-ˌsēz\

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

Date: 1861

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 kidney patient), purifying it by dialysis, adding vital substances, and returning it to a vein —called also hemodialysis

— di·a·lyt·ic \ˌdī-ə-ˈli-tik\ adjective