dialysis

(dī alə sis)

noun pl. dialyses

  1. Chem. any process in which the smaller dissolved molecules in a solution separate from the larger molecules by diffusing through a semipermeable membrane
  2. Med. any of various procedures, usually performed on a regular basis on patients who have impaired kidney function, in which chemical dialysis is used to remove toxic waste, chemicals, etc. from the blood

Origin: L < Gr, separation, dissolution < dialyein, to separate, dissolve < dia-, apart + lyein, loose

Related Forms:

See dialysis in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. di·al·y·ses (-sēzˌ)
  1. The separation of smaller molecules from larger molecules or of dissolved substances from colloidal particles in a solution by selective diffusion through a semipermeable membrane.
  2. Hemodialysis.

Origin:

Origin: Greek dialusis, separating, dissolution

Origin: , from dialūein, to break up, dissolve

Origin: : dia-, apart; see dia-

Origin: + lūein, to loosen; see leu- in Indo-European roots

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Related Forms:

  • diˌa·lytˈic (-ə-lĭtˈĭk) adjective
  • diˌa·lytˈi·cal·ly adverb

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