dialysis

noun di·al·y·sis \ dī-ˈa-lə-səs \

|Updated on: 14 Aug 2018

Definition of dialysis

plural dialyses play \-ˌsēz\

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

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dialytic

play \ˌdī-ə-ˈli-tik\ adjective

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Recent Examples of dialysis from the Web

Gentry received two blood transfusions and was placed on dialysis, which purified her blood and prevented the further spread of her infection, allowing her to heal.

— Fox News, "Emotional moment mom meets her baby for first time after she went into septic shock during labor," 10 July 2018
Other treatment options include dialysis, urine alkalization and blood filtration.

— fiza pirani, ajc, "What is rhabdomyolysis? Workout, rare condition sends teen to hospital," 7 June 2018
The advisory, linked to toxins caused by algae, warns children under 6, people with liver conditions or compromised immune systems, on dialysis, or pregnant or breastfeeding not to drink Salem’s tap water.

— Washington Post, "Water alert re-issued for Oregon capital area," 6 June 2018
He was put on a waiting list, and started undergoing dialysis.

— lyndsay winkley, sandiegouniontribune.com, "SDPD officer gets second shot at long-awaited kidney transplant," 11 July 2018
One group submitted signatures Wednesday to limit the amount charged at kidney dialysis clinics and inspect them more frequently.

— jessie balmert, Cincinnati.com, "Dialysis to duels: Why Ohio keeps voting on odd, complicated ballot issues," 5 July 2018
MedStar Union Memorial Hospital was denied preliminary accreditation by the Joint Commission because of problems with its inpatient dialysis center that posed safety problems for patients.

— christina tkacik, baltimoresun.com, "MedStar Union Memorial fails preliminary accreditation due to problems with its inpatient dialysis center," 3 July 2018
Similarly, a ninth ballot initiative would cap charges to patients at outpatient dialysis centers, and a tenth would give private ambulance employees better training and working conditions.

— ed kilgore, Daily Intelligencer, "Californians Will Be Voting on a Wild Array of Ballot Initiatives in November," 29 June 2018
This infrastructure includes hospitals, pharmacies, nursing homes, and dialysis centers, along with health care distribution centers and manufacturing facilities.

— nicolette louissaint, STAT, "Congress needs to back legislation supporting disaster preparedness," 15 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dialysis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of dialysis

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1861

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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DIALYSIS Defined for English Language Learners

dialysis

noun

Definition of dialysis for English Language Learners

medical : the process of removing some of a person's blood, cleaning it, and then returning it to the person's body

Medical Dictionary

dialysis

noun di·al·y·sis \ dī-ˈal-ə-səs \

medical Definition of dialysis

plural dialyses play \-ˌsēz\

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

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