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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

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.

Electrochemical measurements showed that the material performs better than catalysts containing only one metal, especially under the high current conditions needed for real world electrolysis systems.

From Science Daily

Demand is sluggish in part because green hydrogen – hydrogen produced via electrolysis, using renewable electricity – remains pricey compared to the fossil fuels used to make other types of hydrogen.

From BBC

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

From Barron's

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

From Barron's

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