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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


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.

See Examples For:

Brineworks, founded in 2023, uses a different method for capturing CO₂, one that involves saltwater electrolysis.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 25, 2026

But here’s one example: Before I had electrolysis to remove my facial hair, I hated seeing and feeling the stubble on my face.

From Slate ● Oct. 21, 2026

However, the equipment used for electrolysis must withstand demanding chemical and electrical conditions, especially when salt is involved.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 11, 2026

Newer seawater electrolysis research continues to focus on the same bottlenecks: corrosion resistant materials, long lasting electrodes, chlorine suppression, and system designs that can survive real seawater rather than ideal laboratory solutions.

From Science Daily ● May 10, 2026

It heats C02 to 900°C, then passes it over a zirconia electrolysis cell to yank the carbon atoms off.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir

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