dehydration

1. Industry: Process of removing water from a mixture or substance, such as removal of the remaining five percent water from 190º proof ethanol to make anhydrous ethanol.

2. Medicine: Too little amount of water in body tissue accompanied usually by an imbalance in the essential electrolytes such as chloride, potassium, and sodium. It is caused often by inadequate water intake and/or excessive removal of water due to diarrhea, sweating, or vomiting. Its symptoms include, coated tongue, dry mucous membrane, little or no passage of urine, poor skin resiliency (in young bodies), and confused state of mind.