electrolysis

[ ih-lek-trol-uh-sis, ee-lek- ]

/ ɪ lɛkˈtrɒl ə sɪs, ˌi lɛk- /

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noun

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.

the destruction of hair roots, tumors, etc., by an electric current.

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Origin of electrolysis

First recorded in 1830–40; electro- + -lysis

Words nearby electrolysis

electrokinetics, electroless plating, electrologist, electroluminescence, electrolyse, electrolysis, electrolyte, electrolytic, electrolytic capacitor, electrolytic cell, electrolytic dissociation

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use electrolysis in a sentence

Green hydrogen takes energy from renewables, cyanobacteria, or algae to separate hydrogen molecules from water through electrolysis.
A beginner’s guide to the ‘hydrogen rainbow’|Purbita Saha|August 24, 2021|Popular-Science
A common example of electrolysis is the use of energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
Explainer: What is an electrode?|Adrian Dingle|August 18, 2021|Science News For Students
Martian air is drawn into the device through a filter, and a mechanical pump compresses it down to Earth-like settings, forwarding carbon dioxide to the electrolysis system.
NASA’s Perseverance rover has produced pure oxygen on Mars|Neel V. Patel|April 22, 2021|MIT Technology Review
Peter Fairley argues that such projects are just a first step to an envisioned global network of electrolysis plants that run on solar and wind power, churning out clean hydrogen.
10 Breakthrough Technologies 2021|David Rotman|February 24, 2021|MIT Technology Review

However, the consultancy McKinsey estimates that by 2030 green hydrogen will be as cheap as gray hydrogen, thanks to cheaper electrolysis and renewable electricity generation as well as to rising carbon costs.
Cheap renewables could make green hydrogen a practical replacement for fossil fuels|Katie McLean|February 24, 2021|MIT Technology Review
She used electrolysis to banish the prickly hair from her delicate face.
Inside A Finishing School for Transwomen|Sharon Adarlo|December 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
This may be demonstrated by subjecting the solution to electrolysis in a U-tube (p. 45).
The Elements of Qualitative Chemical Analysis, vol. 1, parts 1 and 2.|Julius Stieglitz
This method may not be a cure for electrolysis, but will add to the life of the pipe.
Elements of Plumbing|Samuel Dibble
The process by which an electric current decomposes a solution and deposits a substance upon an electrode is called electrolysis.
Physics|Willis Eugene Tower
Electrolysis is also used as a means of storing electrical energy in a chemical form (see Secondary Cell).
The New Gresham Encyclopedia|Various
According to the modern theory of electrolysis, all electrolytes contain a greater or smaller number of free ions.
The New Gresham Encyclopedia|Various

British Dictionary definitions for electrolysis

electrolysis

/ (ɪlɛkˈtrɒlɪsɪs) /

noun

the conduction of electricity by a solution or melt, esp the use of this process to induce chemical changes

the destruction of living tissue, such as hair roots, by an electric current, usually for cosmetic reasons

Word Origin for electrolysis

C19: from electro- + -lysis

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

Scientific definitions for electrolysis

electrolysis

[ ĭ-lĕk-trŏl′ĭ-sĭs ]

A process in which a chemical change, especially decomposition, is brought about by passing an electric current through a solution of electrolytes so that the electrolyte's ions move toward the negative and positive electrodes and react with them. If negative ions move toward the anode, they lose electrons and become neutral, resulting in an oxidation reaction. This also happens if atoms of the anode lose electrons and go into the electrolyte solution as positive ions. If positive ions move toward the cathode and gain electrons, becoming neutral, a reduction reaction takes place. Electrolysis is used for many purposes, including the extraction of metals from ores, the cleaning of archaeological artifacts, and the coating of materials with thin layers of metal (electroplating).

Cultural definitions for electrolysis

electrolysis

[ (i-lek-trol-uh-sis) ]

In chemistry, any process that brings about a chemical reaction by passing electric current (see also current) through a material.

notes for electrolysis

The most common form of electrolysis is electroplating, in which a thin coat of metal is deposited on a solid object.