electrolytic

American  

[ih-lek-truh-lit-ik] / ɪˌlɛk trəˈlɪt ɪk /

Also electrolytical

adjective

1. pertaining to or derived by electrolysis.

2. pertaining to an electrolyte.

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electrolytic British  

/ ɪˌlɛktrəʊˈlɪtɪk /

adjective

1. physics

   1. of, concerned with, or produced by electrolysis or electrodeposition

   2. of, relating to, or containing an electrolyte

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noun

1. Also called: electrolytic capacitor.  electronics a small capacitor consisting of two electrodes separated by an electrolyte

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonelectrolytic
  adjective
• electrolytically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of electrolytic

First recorded in 1835–45; electro- + -lytic

Example Sentences

Iran had implemented production cuts earlier but smelters haven’t shut down electrolytic cells and some production recovery signs have emerged, they say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

The UK government confirmed support for two electrolytic hydrogen projects in Wales, in Milford Haven and Bridgend, to support low carbon hydrogen production.

From BBC • Oct. 30, 2024

"In the long-term, we believe this is an inflection point in the development of batteries, fuel cells, and electrolytic cells that operate by using hydrogen."

From Science Daily • Dec. 22, 2023

A small but growing number of new swimming pools use electrolytic chlorine generators to convert salt into chlorine.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 14, 2021

The electrolytic parting of gold and silver has been shown to be more economical and free from the objections—such as the poisonous fumes—of the sulphuric acid process.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 2 "Gloss" to "Gordon, Charles George" by Various