dialysis
UK: daɪˈælɪsɪs | US: daɪˈæləsɪs
n. a medical process of removing waste products from the blood by passing it through a machine, used when the kidneys are not functioning properly.
n. (chemistry) the separation of particles in a liquid by differences in their ability to pass through a membrane.
dialysis = dia<through> + lysis<loosening, dissolution>
- dia: From Greek dia (through, across). Indicates movement through or separation.
- lysis: From Greek lysis (a loosening, dissolution). Often used in scientific terms to denote breakdown or decomposition.
Etymology Origin:
The word dialysis originates from Greek dialyein ("to dissolve, separate"), combining dia- (through) and lyein (to loosen). It entered English in the 16th century, initially describing chemical separation processes. By the 19th century, it was adopted in medicine to describe blood purification, reflecting the "separation" of toxins from blood. The logic mirrors the Greek roots—dia (passing through) and lysis (breaking down)—capturing the essence of filtration or division.
The patient undergoes dialysis three times a week to manage kidney failure.
Dialysis machines are essential for sustaining life in individuals with renal disease.
In chemistry, dialysis separates colloids from soluble substances using a semipermeable membrane.
Advances in dialysis technology have improved the quality of life for many patients.
The lab used dialysis to purify the protein solution.