demineralization

noun

de·​min·​er·​al·​i·​za·​tion (ˌ)dē-ˌmi-nə-rə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

di-

1

: loss of bodily minerals (such as calcium salts) especially in disease

2

: the process of removing mineral matter or salts (as from water)

demineralize

(ˌ)dē-ˈmi-nə-rə-ˌlīz 

transitive verb

demineralizer

(ˌ)dē-ˈmi-nə-rə-ˌlī-zər 

noun

Examples of demineralization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, a demineralization filter-compatible humidifier can eliminate most, if not all, of the downsides to using hard water. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026

Prolonged exposure to cadmium, especially at levels above the FDA's interim reference level, can affect kidney function and increase the risk of bone demineralization. — Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025

The Cleveland Clinic says with too much demineralization and not enough remineralization, tooth decay may begin. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 28 June 2025

Sometimes, fluoride also switches the substances in the tooth surface, swapping minerals with more resilient replacements, making teeth more resistant to demineralization. — Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 18 Dec. 2024

The package includes one demineralization cartridge, which is good for about 30 to 40 uses. — Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Dec. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for demineralization

• americanization
• anticoagulation
• antidiscrimination
• bioaccumulation
• bioremediation
• compartmentalization
• contextualization
• copolymerization
• decriminalization
• dehumidification
• demilitarization
• departmentalization

Medical Definition

demineralization

noun

de·​min·​er·​al·​iza·​tion

variants also British demineralisation

(ˌ)dē-ˌmin-(ə-)rə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

1

: loss of minerals (as salts of calcium) from the body especially in disease

2

: the process of removing mineral matter or salts (as from water)

demineralize transitive verb

also British demineralise

(ˌ)dē-ˈmin-(ə-)rə-ˌlīz 

demineralized also British demineralised; demineralizing also British demineralising