DIALYSIS

dialysis

(noun) separation of substances in solution by means of their unequal diffusion through semipermeable membranes

Source: WordNet® 3.1

---

Etymology

Noun

dialysis (countable and uncountable, plural dialyses)

(chemistry) A method of separating molecules or particles of different sizes by differential diffusion through a semipermeable membrane.

(medicine) Utilization of this method for removal of waste products from the blood in the case of kidney failure: hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.

(rhetoric) The spelling out of alternatives, or presenting of either-or arguments that lead to a conclusion.

(rhetoric) Asyndeton.

Source: Wiktionary

---

Di*al"y*sis, n.; pl. Dialyses. Etym: [L., separation, fr. Gr.

1. (Gram.)

Definition: Diæresis. See Diæresis,

1.

2. (Rhet.)

Definition: Same as Asyndeton.

3. (Med.) (a) Debility. (b) A solution of continuity; division; separation of parts.

4. (Chem.)

Definition: The separation of different substances in solution, as crystalloids and colloids, by means of their unequal diffusion, especially through natural or artificial membranes.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

---