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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of electrolysis

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

Example Sentences

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

The scientists believe that the nodules give off enough electric charge to split seawater into hydrogen and oxygen, a process known as electrolysis.

From Barron's

Electrochemical measurements showed that the material performs better than catalysts containing only one metal, especially under the high current conditions needed for real world electrolysis systems.

From Science Daily

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

There is a cleaner production process available through electrolysis, but supply chains to do that don’t exist yet.

From Barron's