ion exchange
Americannoun
noun
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A reversible chemical reaction between two substances (usually a relatively insoluble solid and a solution) during which ions of equal charge may be interchanged. Ion exchange is used in water softening and purification, chemical analysis, the separation of radioactive isotopes, and kidney dialysis.
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◆ Cation exchange is the exchange of positively charged ions.
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◆ Anion exchange is the exchange of negatively charged ions.
Etymology
Origin of ion exchange
First recorded in 1920–25
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He recommends treating the issue at the water point of entry to the home with cation exchange resin, a type of ion exchange.
From Los Angeles Times
Despite its potential, however, the lack of a systematic approach to predicting appropriate material combinations for ion exchange has hindered its widespread adoption, necessitating laborious trial-and-error experiments.
From Science Daily
If you opt for a whole house treatment system, which a plumber can attach where the water enters the house, ion exchange resin is probably the best choice.
From Salon
"The VSD domain responds to the change in voltage by pushing its rodlike S4 helix inwards. This clears the way for ion exchange by SLC9C1, ultimately initiating sperm motility," says David Drew.
From Science Daily
Lilac plans to use the funds to construct a U.S. manufacturing facility for ion exchange beads, which are core to its extraction process.
From Reuters
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.