electrolysis

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

/ ɪ lɛkˈtrɒl ə sɪs, ˌi lɛk- /

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.

Nearby words

Origin of electrolysis

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for electrolysis

It may be deposited by electrolysis as in nickel plating, but the zinc coating is more apt to be porous.
Creative Chemistry|Edwin E. Slosson
Electrolysis of a solution in hydrofluoric acid gives cobaltic fluoride, CoF3.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 5|Various
Only fifteen years ago it would have been folly to desire to obtain remunerative results through the electrolysis of water.
Scientific American Supplement No. 819|Various
It was merely a cover to an attempt to break into the bank vaults by electrolysis of the steel and concrete.
The Social Gangster|Arthur B. Reeve

Small hairy nævi may be excised, or, as also in the larger hairy moles, the hairs may be removed by electrolysis.
Essentials of Diseases of the Skin|Henry Weightman Stelwagon

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

Word Origin and History for electrolysis

electrolysis

1834, introduced by Faraday on the suggestion of the Rev. William Whewell (1794-1866), English polymath, from electro- + Greek lysis "a loosening," from lyein "to loosen, set free" (see lose). Originally of tumors, later (1909) of hair removal.

Medicine definitions for electrolysis

electrolysis

[ ĭ-lĕk-trŏl′ĭ-sĭs, ē′lĕk- ]

n.

Chemical change, especially decomposition, that is produced in an electrolyte by an electric current.

Destruction of living tissue, especially that of the hair roots, by means of an electric current applied with a needle-shaped electrode.

Science 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).

Culture 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.

Note

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