electrolyse

/ ɪˈlɛktrəʊˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to decompose (a chemical compound) by electrolysis
2. to destroy (living tissue, such as hair roots) by electrolysis

Derived Forms

• eˌlectrolyˈsation, noun
• eˈlectroˌlyser, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of electrolyse¹

C19: back formation from electrolysis on pattern of analyse

Example Sentences

One of the first discoveries made with it was its power to electrolyse or chemically decompose certain solutions.

From Project Gutenberg