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

Word History and Origins

Origin of electrolysis¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of electrolysis¹

C19: from _electro- + _-lysis

Example Sentences

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

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

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

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The ore’s refined intermediate product—alumina—must go through electrolysis at a smelter to break aluminum’s strong bond to oxygen.

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However, he notes that there are still challenges in ensuring that electrolysis systems like this don't corrode too quickly over time.

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