desalination

American  

[dee-sal-uh nay-shuhn] / diˌsæl ə ˈneɪ ʃən /

noun

1. Chemistry. the intentional removal of salt from something, especially seawater, by any of various means, often reverse osmosis.

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desalination British  

/ diːˌsælɪˈneɪʃən /

noun

1. the process of removing salt, esp from sea water so that it can be used for drinking or irrigation

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Other Word Forms

• desalinator noun

Explanation

When salt and other minerals are removed from soil or water, it's called desalination. Desalination can make sea water safe to drink. The term desalination adds the prefix de-, "undo," to salination, "adding salt." The salty heart of the word is saline, "containing or made of salt." The complex process of water desalination involves using electricity or extreme heat, and it's very expensive. Still, many people around the world depend on desalination of ocean water for drinking and watering crops.

Example Sentences

The deal involves desert states funding San Diego’s desalination plant output in exchange for California’s rights to Colorado River water.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

The region has become the fastest growing market for electric cars, and China is also the largest investor in desalination in the Middle East, where potable water is scarce.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

These tube-like materials can strengthen polymers and metals or guide the movement of ions in batteries and desalination systems with far less resistance.

From Science Daily • Mar. 31, 2026

Strikes have knocked out a desalination plant on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian media reported, without saying when the attack took place.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

Meanwhile, on the other side of Pacific Coast Highway, on the long strip of Huntington Beach, frustrated crowds waiting for desalination machines have begun to take notice of his truck.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman