n.
Pronunciation: d ī - ' a-l ə -s ə s
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural -y · ses \ - ˌ s ē z \
Etymology: New Latin, from Greek, separation, from dialyein to dissolve, from dia- + lyein to loosen ― more at LOSE
Date: 1861
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 kidney patient), purifying it by dialysis, adding vital substances, and returning it to a vein ― called also hemodialysis
– di · a · lyt · ic \ ˌ d ī - ə - ' li-tik \ adjective