Meaning & Definition of word "Dialysis"

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    Dialysis

    /daɪˈælɪsɪs/

    noun:

    • 1. A medical procedure that removes waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are not functioning properly.
      • Example: The patient requires dialysis three times a week to manage their kidney failure.
    • 2. The process of separating molecules in a solution based on their size and ability to pass through a semi-permeable membrane.
      • Example: Dialysis is used in laboratory settings to purify proteins from small contaminants.
    • 3. A treatment used in cases of acute or chronic kidney disease.
      • Example: After being diagnosed with kidney disease, the doctor recommended starting dialysis as soon as possible.
    • 4. A method for removing toxic substances from the body by passing blood through a filter.
      • Example: The overdose patient was treated with dialysis to remove the harmful chemicals from their bloodstream.

    Etymology

    From Greek 'dialusis', meaning 'a loosening' or 'splitting'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    renal dialysis:

    Dialysis specifically for patients with kidney failure.

    dialysis machine:

    The device used during the dialysis procedure.

    hemodialysis:

    A form of dialysis that uses a machine to filter blood.

    Related Words

    nephrology:

    The branch of medicine that deals with the kidneys.

    hemofilter:

    A device used in hemodialysis to filter blood.

    uremia:

    A condition resulting from the accumulation of waste products in the blood due to kidney failure.

    Slang Meanings of dialysis

    Meaning: D on the machine

    Example Sentence: When I'm on D, I can't do anything but chill and wait.

    Meaning: Kidney laundry

    Example Sentence: After my sessions, I joke that I just did my kidney laundry.