Dilution
Dilution
Dilution (/daɪˈluːʃən/) is a process that reduces the concentration of a substance in a solution or mixture. It is commonly used in various fields such as chemistry, biology, pharmacy, and medicine.
Etymology
The term "dilution" originates from the Latin word "diluere", which means "to wash away".
Definition
In a medical context, dilution refers to the process of reducing the concentration of a drug or chemical in a solution, often to make it safer for administration to a patient. This is typically achieved by adding more of the solvent to the solution, thereby decreasing the proportion of the solute.
Related Terms
- Concentration: The measure of how much of a given substance (solute) there is mixed with another substance (solvent).
- Solution: A homogeneous mixture composed of two or more substances.
- Solute: The minor component in a solution, dissolved in the solvent.
- Solvent: A substance that dissolves a solute, resulting in a solution.
- Pharmacology: The branch of medicine that deals with the uses, effects, and modes of action of drugs.
Usage in Medicine
In medicine, dilution is often used in the preparation of medications. For instance, a highly concentrated drug may be diluted to a safer concentration before administration to a patient. This is particularly important in pediatrics and geriatrics, where patients may be more sensitive to the effects of medications.
Dilution is also a key concept in homeopathy, a system of alternative medicine that treats patients with heavily diluted preparations.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Dilution
- Wikipedia's article - Dilution
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