Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

dialysis

noun di·al·y·sis \ dī-ˈa-lə-səs \
|Updated on: 19 Jun 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
—

dialytic

play \ˌdī-ə-ˈli-tik\ adjective

See dialysis defined for English-language learners

See dialysis defined for kids

Recent Examples of dialysis from the Web

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

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
—

dialytic

play \ˌdī-ə-ˈlit-ik\ adjective

Learn More about dialysis

  1. See words that rhyme with dialysis Britannica English: Translation of dialysis for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dialysis

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up dialysis? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

WORD OF THE DAY

skirl

play

to emit the high shrill tone of bagpipes

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. asylum 'protection from arrest and extradition given especially to political refugees'

  2. insubordinate 'disobedient to authority'

  3. promulgate 'to make known by open declaration'

  4. epochal 'momentous or unparalleled'

  5. clemency 'merciful treatment of someone who could be given harsh punishment'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

dialysis

Test Your Vocabulary

Words for Summer: A Quiz

  • a-closeup-of-a-sunflower
  • Which of the following words means “of or relating to summer”?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Bee Cubed

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games