ion exchange
nounDefinition of ion exchange
: a reversible interchange of one kind of ion present on an insoluble solid with another of like charge present in a solution surrounding the solid with the reaction being used especially for softening or demineralizing water, the purification of chemicals, or the separation of substances
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Examples of ion exchange in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Because the skin-irritating minerals are passed through the water via ion exchange, the water then becomes soft and can potentially be less irritating to the skin. — Kaleigh Fasanella, Allure, "My Skin Got Hives Every Time I Showered — Until I Discovered a Water Softener," 25 Sep. 2018 Inside are arrays of seven-foot tall stainless steel tubes, filled with sand grain-like particles that perform a process called ion exchange. — Vince Beiser, WIRED, "Fukushima’s Other Big Problem: A Million Tons of Radioactive Water," 27 Apr. 2018 This results in a process called ion exchange, in which sodium ions within the glass are forced out and replaced by potassium ions from the bathing solution. — The Economist, "One of the world’s oldest products faces the digital future," 12 Oct. 2017These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ion exchange.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for ion exchange
ion exchange
noun
ion ex·change
| \ -iks-ˈchānj
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Medical Definition of ion exchange
: a reversible interchange of one kind of ion present on an insoluble solid with another of like charge present in a solution surrounding the solid with the reaction being used especially for softening or demineralizing water, purifying chemicals, or separating substances