electrolysis
Americannoun
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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.
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the destruction of hair roots, tumors, etc., by an electric current.
noun
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the conduction of electricity by a solution or melt, esp the use of this process to induce chemical changes
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the destruction of living tissue, such as hair roots, by an electric current, usually for cosmetic reasons
Etymology
Origin of electrolysis
Vocabulary lists containing electrolysis
Chemistry - High School
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Electrical Engineering
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Engineering - High School
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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.
Water oxidation, an essential reaction during electrolysis, requires a substantially higher potential of about ~1600 mV.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 11, 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
The Welsh Government says it is monitoring the implementation of mandatory licencing schemes for acupuncture, dry needling, body piercing, electrolysis, tattooing and semi-permanent makeup and this "will inform any potential future extension to other procedures".
From BBC ● Jul. 5, 2026
Researchers have also reported corrosion resistant anode strategies built on stainless steel substrates, showing that stainless steel remains a major focus in the effort to make seawater electrolysis more practical.
From Science Daily ● May 10, 2026
The electrolysis separated the hydrogen and oxygen from each other.
From "The Martian" by Andy Weir
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
