ScienceAugust 4, 2026

apheresis

uh-FER-uh-sis

Definition

A medical procedure that separates blood into its components, removing specific substances like cholesterol or toxins from the plasma and returning the remaining blood back into the body.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek word 'aphairesis', meaning 'a taking away' or 'removal'. It entered medical terminology to describe the process of removing specific blood components from a donor or patient.

In the news

The article discusses using double filtration apheresis as a therapeutic method to extract pollutants like PFAS and microplastics from a patient's bloodstream.

Cholesterol Cleanup Cuts Chemicals, Plastics, Mystery Remains

Read the full article ↗

Mirage News

Related words

adsorber

A device or material designed to collect or hold molecules of a gas, liquid, or dissolved…

Science

adsorption

The process by which atoms, ions, or molecules from a substance (like pollutants) adhere…

Science

anticoagulation

The process of preventing blood from clotting, often used in medical procedures to manage…

Science

biomonitoring

The systematic measurement of chemical substances or their metabolites within human…

Science

chromatin

A substance composed of DNA and proteins found within the cell nucleus that forms the…

Science

eluate

The liquid substance extracted or removed from a solid material through a filtration,…

Science

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.