ion exchange

noun

: 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
ion exchanger noun

Examples of ion exchange in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The district now uses ion exchange technology to remove PFAS from water, an approach that uses tiny beads to filter out the chemicals. Ignacio Calderon, USA TODAY, 8 Nov. 2024 Other options include reverse osmosis or ion exchange resins, which act like tiny magnets that attract PFAS chemicals. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 10 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ion exchange was in 1923

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ion exchange.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ion%20exchange. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

ion exchange

noun
: 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!