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dehydration

water loss / drying process / chemical water removal
Noun

This term describes the loss of water, carrying a clinical tone when applied to biology and a technical tone when applied to chemistry or food science. In a medical context, it implies a state of physiological distress or deficiency that requires intervention. As an uncountable noun, it refers to the general state or process of water loss. When referring to specific instances of the condition in a medical chart, it remains uncountable, though the process of removing water from various substances is treated as a singular conceptual process.

Meanings

Noun

A harmful reduction in the amount of water in the body, often caused by excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea.

"The athlete suffered from severe dehydration after running the marathon in the heat."

Noun

The process of removing water from a substance, such as food or a chemical compound, to preserve it or change its properties.

"The dehydration of fruit is a common method used to create long-lasting snacks."

Noun

A chemical reaction in which a molecule of water is removed from a compound.

"The dehydration of ethanol produces ethylene when passed over a heated catalyst."

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Last Updated: June 14, 2026Report an Error