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
(ˌ)dē-ˈmi-nə-rə-ˌlīz How to pronounce demineralization (audio)
transitive verb
demineralizer
(ˌ)dē-ˈmi-nə-rə-ˌlī-zər How to pronounce demineralization (audio)
noun

Examples of demineralization 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.
Cadmium: Prolonged exposure is associated with health effects such as bone demineralization, kidney and reproductive dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. — Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025 In one lab, apple cider vinegar was found to cause demineralization of human teeth.11 When tooth erosion occurs, dental tissues are lost due to processes not caused by bacteria. — Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 24 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of demineralization was in 1903

Rhymes for demineralization

See All Rhymes for demineralization

Browse Nearby Words

demine
demineralization
de minimis
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Demineralization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demineralization. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

Medical Definition

demineralization

noun
de·​min·​er·​al·​iza·​tion
variants also British demineralisation
(ˌ)dē-ˌmin-(ə-)rə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce demineralization (audio)
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
(ˌ)dē-ˈmin-(ə-)rə-ˌlīz How to pronounce demineralization (audio)
demineralized also British demineralised; demineralizing also British demineralising
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Top 10 Sophisticated Insults

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

More Words with Remarkable Origins

Terroir, Oenophile, & Magnum: Ten Words About Wine

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Top 10 Sophisticated Insults

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
dog-in-disguise
Rhyme Disguise Quiz Pair up words that look different but sound alike.
See All