# dialysis

/daɪˈæɫəsəs/ (US) · /dˈaɪələsˌɪs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dialysis
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. medical treatment

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a medical process that removes waste and extra water from the blood when the kidneys can no longer do it naturally.

For teachers: the clinical purification of blood as a substitute for the normal function of the kidney. Uncountable when referring to the process; countable when referring to a specific session.

- My uncle has to go to the hospital three times a week for dialysis.
- Patients with end-stage renal disease often require regular dialysis to maintain electrolyte balance and remove metabolic waste products from their bloodstream.

Usage: Often used with the verb 'undergo' or 'be on'.

### 2. chemical separation

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a way to separate different sized particles in a liquid by passing them through a special filter.

For teachers: the separation of particles in a liquid on the basis of differences in their ability to pass through a semipermeable membrane.

- The scientist used dialysis to clean the protein sample in the lab.
- In the laboratory, dialysis is a standard procedure for removing salts or small buffer molecules from a solution containing larger macromolecules like proteins.

### 3. rhetorical device

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

a way of speaking or writing where you present two choices to reach a conclusion.

For teachers: a rhetorical figure involving the presentation of alternatives or 'either-or' arguments to lead to a logical conclusion.

- The lawyer used dialysis to show that the defendant had only two possible motives.
- The philosopher's argument relied on a clever dialysis, forcing the audience to choose between two equally problematic premises.

## Examples

- He goes to the hospital for dialysis three times a week.
- Patients with end-stage renal failure often require dialysis to maintain a healthy balance of electrolytes and fluids in their system.
- While kidney transplants offer a more permanent solution, many patients rely on long-term dialysis to perform the essential filtration tasks that their damaged organs can no longer manage.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.