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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At this advanced stage, patients either receive a kidney transplant or remain on dialysis — an expensive and often debilitating treatment — for the rest of their lives. Ruby Rorty, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2025 Williams said the work was already having an impact as other institutions were using the idea to start projects related to cancer and dialysis. Rae Ellen Bichell and Rachana Pradhan, CNN Money, 25 Apr. 2025 These fibers are already used in things like water filters and dialysis machines. Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025 More than 550,000 Americans have kidney failure and require dialysis, and about 100,000 of them are on a waiting list to receive a kidney. Roni Caryn Rabin, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dialysis

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dialysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dialysis. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!