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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:

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

The group is working on a new generation of microporous PFAS-free membranes designed for use in future electrolysis systems.

From Science Daily Feb. 26, 2026

Hydrogen is widely seen as a key energy source for the future, which makes it critical to understand how water is split during electrolysis.

From Science Daily Jan. 31, 2026

Demand is sluggish in part because green hydrogen – hydrogen produced via electrolysis, using renewable electricity – remains pricey compared to the fossil fuels used to make other types of hydrogen.

From BBC Dec. 1, 2025

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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