dialysis

Meaning

Noun

• A method of separating molecules or particles of different sizes by differential diffusion through a semipermeable membrane.
• Utilization of this method for removal of waste products from the blood in the case of kidney failure: hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.
• The spelling out of alternatives, or presenting of either-or arguments that lead to a conclusion.
• Asyndeton.

Origin

• Dated in the late 16th century ; from Latin dialysis, from Ancient Greek διάλυσις; synchronically, dia- + -lysis.