electrolysis
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.
the destruction of hair roots, tumors, etc., by an electric current.
Origin of electrolysis
1Words Nearby electrolysis
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use electrolysis in a sentence
Green hydrogen takes energy from renewables, cyanobacteria, or algae to separate hydrogen molecules from water through electrolysis.
A common example of electrolysis is the use of energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
Martian air is drawn into the device through a filter, and a mechanical pump compresses it down to Earth-like settings, forwarding carbon dioxide to the electrolysis system.
NASA’s Perseverance rover has produced pure oxygen on Mars | Neel V. Patel | April 22, 2021 | MIT Technology ReviewPeter Fairley argues that such projects are just a first step to an envisioned global network of electrolysis plants that run on solar and wind power, churning out clean hydrogen.
However, the consultancy McKinsey estimates that by 2030 green hydrogen will be as cheap as gray hydrogen, thanks to cheaper electrolysis and renewable electricity generation as well as to rising carbon costs.
Cheap renewables could make green hydrogen a practical replacement for fossil fuels | Katie McLean | February 24, 2021 | MIT Technology Review
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).
The Elements of Qualitative Chemical Analysis, vol. 1, parts 1 and 2. | Julius StieglitzThis method may not be a cure for electrolysis, but will add to the life of the pipe.
Elements of Plumbing | Samuel DibbleThe process by which an electric current decomposes a solution and deposits a substance upon an electrode is called electrolysis.
Physics | Willis Eugene Towerelectrolysis is also used as a means of storing electrical energy in a chemical form (see Secondary Cell).
The New Gresham Encyclopedia | VariousAccording to the modern theory of electrolysis, all electrolytes contain a greater or smaller number of free ions.
The New Gresham Encyclopedia | Various
British Dictionary definitions for electrolysis
/ (ɪlɛkˈtrɒlɪsɪs) /
the conduction of electricity by a solution or melt, esp the use of this process to induce chemical changes
the destruction of living tissue, such as hair roots, by an electric current, usually for cosmetic reasons
Origin of electrolysis
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for electrolysis
[ ĭ-lĕk-trŏl′ĭ-sĭs ]
A process in which a chemical change, especially decomposition, is brought about by passing an electric current through a solution of electrolytes so that the electrolyte's ions move toward the negative and positive electrodes and react with them. If negative ions move toward the anode, they lose electrons and become neutral, resulting in an oxidation reaction. This also happens if atoms of the anode lose electrons and go into the electrolyte solution as positive ions. If positive ions move toward the cathode and gain electrons, becoming neutral, a reduction reaction takes place. Electrolysis is used for many purposes, including the extraction of metals from ores, the cleaning of archaeological artifacts, and the coating of materials with thin layers of metal (electroplating).
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Cultural definitions for electrolysis
[ (i-lek-trol-uh-sis) ]
In chemistry, any process that brings about a chemical reaction by passing electric current (see also current) through a material.
Notes for electrolysis
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Browse