Real Dictionary

ion exchange in American English
a chemical process whereby ions are reversibly transferred between an insoluble solid, such as a resin, and a fluid mixture, usually an aqueous solution: widely used in water softening, recovery of metals from waste solutions, etc.
noun: the process of reciprocal transfer of ions between a solution and a resin or other suitable solid

ion exchange in British English
noun: the process in which ions are exchanged between a solution and an insoluble solid, usually a resin. It is used to soften water, to separate radioactive isotopes, and to purify certain industrial chemicals

ion exchange in Chemical Engineering
noun: Ion exchange is a process in which a fluid solvent dissolves in a gel which takes in solute ions from the fluid.

ion exchange in the Pharmaceutical Industry
noun: Ion exchange is a process in which ions are exchanged between a solution and an insoluble solid, usually a resin.