dialysis

[dahy-al-uh-sis]

noun

plural

dialyses 

1. Physical Chemistry.,  the separation of crystalloids from colloids in a solution by diffusion through a membrane.

2. Biochemistry.,  the separation of large molecules, as proteins, from small molecules and ions in a solution by allowing the latter to pass through a semipermeable membrane.

3. Medicine/Medical.,  (in kidney disease) the process by which uric acid and urea are removed from circulating blood by means of a dialyzer.

dialysis

/ daɪˈælɪsɪs, ˌdaɪəˈlɪtɪk /

noun

1. the separation of small molecules from large molecules and colloids in a solution by the selective diffusion of the small molecules through a semipermeable membrane

2. med See haemodialysis peritoneal dialysis

dialysis

1. The separation of the smaller molecules in a solution from the larger molecules by passing the solution through a membrane that does not allow the large molecules to pass through.

2. A medical procedure in which this technique of molecular separation is used to remove metabolic waste products or toxic substances from the blood. Dialysis is required for individuals with severe kidney failure.

dialysis

1. The separation of large molecules from small molecules by passage through a membrane.

A common treatment for kidney disease is the use of a dialysis machine to filter toxic substances from the blood, a function that the kidneys normally perform.

Other Word Forms

• dialytically adverb
• dialytic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dialysis¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Late Latin, from Greek diálysis “separation”; equivalent to dia- + -lysis

Word History and Origins

Origin of dialysis¹

C16: from Late Latin: a separation, from Greek dialusis a dissolution, from dialuein to tear apart, dissolve, from luein to loosen

Example Sentences

Many people with advanced PKD eventually require dialysis.

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Early stages often produce no noticeable symptoms, while advanced disease may require dialysis, kidney replacement therapy, or a transplant.

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While extremely uncommon, it requires urgent diagnosis and immediate treatment -- often including dialysis -- to remove excess acid and prevent life-threatening complications.

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"He then had to have surgery to have dialysis tubes put in and he then had to commence dialysis," she said.

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She took a picture of the grimy hotel room where she stayed, capturing the swirling cursive on the sign for the dialysis center across the street in the background.

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Related Words

• departure 
• disengagement 
• dissolution 
• divorce 
• estrangement 
• partition 
• segregation 
• split