Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for electrolysis. Search instead for electrolysist.

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:

Recent reviews of direct seawater electrolysis continue to highlight the same core challenge.

From Science Daily May 10, 2026

While not all hydrogen production methods are eco-friendly, it is possible to make "green hydrogen" through a process called electrolysis - where electricity from renewable sources is used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.

From BBC Apr. 21, 2026

It takes a huge amount of green electricity to create the fuel using a process called electrolysis.

From BBC Feb. 27, 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

The electrolysis separated the hydrogen and oxygen from each other.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training