dialyze: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very Low FrequencyTechnical / Scientific / Medical
Quick answer
What does “dialyze” mean?
To subject a solution or mixture to dialysis.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To subject a solution or mixture to dialysis; to separate or purify (a substance) using a semipermeable membrane.
In a broader technical sense, to use a membrane-based process to remove small molecules or ions from a solution, typically to cleanse waste products from blood in renal failure (haemodialysis). The term can also be used metaphorically in analytical contexts to describe a careful, systematic separation of components.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: The British English spelling is 'dialyse' (with an 's'). The American English spelling is 'dialyze' (with a 'z'). Pronunciation differences follow the IPA provided.
Connotations
Identical in meaning and technical connotation. Usage is equally rare and specialised in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. The noun 'dialysis' and the verb form 'undergo dialysis' are far more common than the active verb 'to dialyze/dialyse' in patient contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “dialyze” in a Sentence
[SVO] The machine dialyzes the patient's blood.[SV] The patient dialyzes three times a week. (informal/patient-centric)[SV against O] The solution was dialyzed against a buffer.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dialyze” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The lab technician will dialyse the protein sample overnight.
- Patients who dialyse at home require special training.
American English
- The machine dialyzes the blood, removing urea and creatinine.
- We need to dialyze this solution against distilled water.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb; 'by dialysis' is used.] The product was purified by dialysis.
American English
- [No standard adverb; 'by dialysis' is used.] The substance was separated by dialysis.
adjective
British English
- [The related adjective is 'dialysable/dialyzable'.] The dialysable fraction was collected.
- [Participle as adjective] The newly dialysed sample was clear.
American English
- [The related adjective is 'dialyzable'.] The dialyzable toxins were removed.
- [Participle as adjective] The dialyzed fluid is then tested.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in biochemistry, chemistry, and biomedical engineering papers to describe experimental purification steps.
Everyday
Virtually never used. A patient would say 'I'm on dialysis' or 'I go for dialysis'.
Technical
Primary domain. Used in medical procedures (renal therapy), laboratory protocols, and process engineering.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dialyze”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dialyze”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dialyze”
- Misspelling as 'dialize' or 'dialyse' (US) / 'dialyze' (UK).
- Using it as a general synonym for 'analyze'.
- Incorrect valency: 'He dialyzed his kidneys.' (One dialyses the blood, not the organs).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Dialyze specifically involves a semipermeable membrane where separation occurs via diffusion of solutes based on molecular size. General filtering uses a physical barrier (like a paper filter) to separate particles based on size, often without a concentration gradient driving the process.
No. Patients and even healthcare staff more commonly use the noun 'dialysis' in phrases like 'undergo dialysis', 'receive dialysis', or 'be on dialysis'. The active verb 'dialyze' is more common in laboratory and technical writing.
The British spelling is 'dialyse' (with an 's'), following the pattern of 'analyse', 'paralyse' etc.
Yes, but still in technical contexts. In biochemistry and chemistry, it is standard to describe the purification of macromolecular solutions (like proteins) by dialyzing them against a buffer to remove salts or other small molecules.
To subject a solution or mixture to dialysis.
Dialyze is usually technical / scientific / medical in register.
Dialyze: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdaɪ.ə.laɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdaɪ.əˌlaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None specific to this technical verb]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'DIA' (through) + 'LYZE' (to loosen/separate). You separate toxins *through* a membrane.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLEANSING IS FILTERING / PURIFICATION IS SELECTIVE SEPARATION.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'dialyze' MOST appropriately used?