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

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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The process under investigation here was molten regolith electrolysis, which involves using electricity to split lunar minerals containing oxygen, in order to extract the oxygen directly.

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Keith Reid, deputy chief medical officer for Wales, said the rules, which also cover those having acupuncture, electrolysis, piercing, and semi-permanent makeup procedures, would give people an "extra level of assurance around safety".

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This reaction occurs in many industrially important reactions, for example in the electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen.

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