demineralization

noun

de·​min·​er·​al·​i·​za·​tion (ˌ)dē-ˌmi-nə-rə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce demineralization (audio)
di-
1
: loss of bodily minerals (such as calcium salts) especially in disease
2
: the process of removing mineral matter or salts (as from water)
demineralize transitive verb

Examples of demineralization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The package includes one demineralization cartridge, which is good for about 30 to 40 uses. Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Dec. 2023 Other side effects could include stretch marks, fungal infections and even bone demineralization (i.e. making your bones more vulnerable to fractures). David Oliver, USA TODAY, 2 Aug. 2023 In the blog post, the researchers liken bone demineralization to soaking an egg in vinegar; placing the egg in an acidic environment for a few days makes the mineral components (the shell) dissolve, leaving the inside of the egg (the albumen and yolk) intact in a springy, ball-like state. Jane Recker, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Jan. 2022 For long-term effects, which in weightlessness involve not only bone demineralization, but also muscle atrophy, immune system effects, and other complications throughout the body, there is no way to replicate partial gravity on Earth. David Warmflash, Discover Magazine, 8 Sep. 2014 But keep in mind that the acids in diet sodas will still cause some demineralization of your teeth. Hannah Seo, New York Times, 18 July 2022 One aspect of toothpaste that does make a difference though is fluoride, which combats the first stage of tooth decay, called demineralization. Claire Ballentine, Bloomberg.com, 24 Sep. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'demineralization.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of demineralization was in 1903

Dictionary Entries Near demineralization

Cite this Entry

“Demineralization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demineralization. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

demineralization

noun
de·​min·​er·​al·​iza·​tion
variants also British demineralisation
1
: loss of minerals (as salts of calcium) from the body especially in disease
2
: the process of removing mineral matter or salts (as from water)
demineralize transitive verb
also British demineralise
demineralized also British demineralised; demineralizing also British demineralising
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