ion exchange

noun

: a reversible interchange of one kind of ion present on an insoluble solid with another of like charge present in a solution surrounding the solid with the reaction being used especially for softening or demineralizing water, the purification of chemicals, or the separation of substances

ion exchanger noun

Examples of ion exchange in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Its projects span areas such as membrane separation, nanobubble technology, biological treatment processes, ion exchange, and advanced oxidation systems. — Jason Phillips, USA Today, 2 July 2026

Inspired by wetland plants like mangroves, 12-year-old Ella Barth and Esme Tsai’s prototype glass funnel uses layers of coffee filter paper, gravel, sand, ion exchange resin, charcoal and cotton, mimicking a natural filtration process to help rid local tap water of its chalky taste. — Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2026

The two filtration methods proven to remove nitrates from water are reverse osmosis systems and ion exchange filters, according to the EWG. — Ryan Brennan may 27, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 May 2026

The Louviers Water & Sanitation District's ion exchange filtration system that removes radium. — Olivia Young, CBS News, 29 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ion exchange

• interchange
• rearrange
• arrange
• derange
• estrange
• midrange
• change
• grange
• mange
• range
• strange

Medical Definition

ion exchange

noun

ion ex·​change -iks-ˈchānj 

: a reversible interchange of one kind of ion present on an insoluble solid with another of like charge present in a solution surrounding the solid with the reaction being used especially for softening or demineralizing water, purifying chemicals, or separating substances