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electrolysis

[ ih-lek-trol-uh-sis, ee-lek- ]

noun

  1. Physical Chemistry. the passage of an electric current through an electrolyte with subsequent migration of positively and negatively charged ions to the negative and positive electrodes.
  2. the destruction of hair roots, tumors, etc., by an electric current.


electrolysis

/ ɪlɛkˈtrɒlɪsɪs /

noun

  1. the conduction of electricity by a solution or melt, esp the use of this process to induce chemical changes
  2. the destruction of living tissue, such as hair roots, by an electric current, usually for cosmetic reasons


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Word History and Origins

Origin of electrolysis1

First recorded in 1830–40; electro- + -lysis

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Word History and Origins

Origin of electrolysis1

C19: from electro- + -lysis

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Example Sentences

She used electrolysis to banish the prickly hair from her delicate face.

This may be demonstrated by subjecting the solution to electrolysis in a U-tube (p. 45).

This method may not be a cure for electrolysis, but will add to the life of the pipe.

The process by which an electric current decomposes a solution and deposits a substance upon an electrode is called electrolysis.

Electrolysis is also used as a means of storing electrical energy in a chemical form (see Secondary Cell).

According to the modern theory of electrolysis, all electrolytes contain a greater or smaller number of free ions.

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