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Showing results for electrolysis. Search instead for H2o+Electrolysis.

electrolysis

American  
[ih-lek-trol-uh-sis, ee-lek-] / ɪ lɛkˈtrɒl ə sɪs, ˌi lɛk- /

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 British  
/ 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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of electrolysis

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

Vocabulary lists containing electrolysis

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It takes a huge amount of green electricity to create the fuel using a process called electrolysis.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

The group is working on a new generation of microporous PFAS-free membranes designed for use in future electrolysis systems.

From Science Daily • Feb. 26, 2026

There is a cleaner production process available through electrolysis, but supply chains to do that don’t exist yet.

From Barron's • Nov. 18, 2025

The hydrogen burned at Scattergood is supposed to be green, meaning it is produced by splitting water molecules through a process called electrolysis.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 29, 2025

The electrolysis separated the hydrogen and oxygen from each other.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir

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