dialysis
noun
di·al·y·sis dī-ˈa-lə-səs 
plural dialyses dī-ˈa-lə-ˌsēz
1
: the separation of substances in solution by means of their unequal diffusion through semipermeable membranes
especially : such a separation of colloids from soluble substances
2
: the process of removing blood from an artery (as of a patient affected with kidney failure), purifying it by dialysis, adding vital substances, and returning it to a vein
called also hemodialysis
Examples of dialysis in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
An Iranian vessel seized by the US on Sunday was carrying medical supplies for dialysis patients, the Iranian Red Crescent Society said, calling it a violation of international law. —
Aditi Sangal, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026 The health agency is also looking to identify Medicare beneficiaries who use electricity-dependent medical equipment, such as dialysis and oxygen, in order to help at-risk populations affected by the typhoon. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2026 Instead, Gerard and his wife were trained in how to do in-home dialysis by Monogram Health and, since starting, both his kidneys and all his pre-existing conditions have improved. —Benjamin Kornitzer, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2026 Reiners said Chadron Hospital lost $1 million a year on its dialysis service due to low reimbursement rates that didn't cover operational costs. —Arielle Zionts, NPR, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dialysis
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Aditi Sangal, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026 The health agency is also looking to identify Medicare beneficiaries who use electricity-dependent medical equipment, such as dialysis and oxygen, in order to help at-risk populations affected by the typhoon. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2026 Instead, Gerard and his wife were trained in how to do in-home dialysis by Monogram Health and, since starting, both his kidneys and all his pre-existing conditions have improved. —Benjamin Kornitzer, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2026 Reiners said Chadron Hospital lost $1 million a year on its dialysis service due to low reimbursement rates that didn't cover operational costs. —Arielle Zionts, NPR, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dialysis
Cite this Entry
“Dialysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/dialysis. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dialysis
noun
di·al·y·sis dī-ˈal-ə-səs
plural dialyses -ə-ˌsēz
1
: the separation of substances in solution by means of their unequal diffusion through membranes with pores of a specified maximum size
especially : such a separation of colloids from dissolved substances
2
: the process of removing blood from an artery (as of a patient with failing kidneys), purifying it by dialysis, and returning it to a vein
Medical Definition
dialysis
noun
di·al·y·sis dī-ˈal-ə-səs
plural dialyses -ˌsēz
1
: the separation of substances in solution by means of their unequal diffusion through semipermeable membranes
especially : such a separation of colloids from soluble substances
2
: either of two medical procedures to remove wastes or toxins from the blood and adjust fluid and electrolyte imbalances by utilizing rates at which substances diffuse through a semipermeable membrane:
a
: the process of removing blood from an artery (as of a kidney patient), purifying it by dialysis, adding vital substances, and returning it to a vein
called also hemodialysis
b
: a procedure performed in the peritoneal cavity in which the peritoneum acts as the semipermeable membrane
called also peritoneal dialysis
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