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

• electrolytically adverb
• nonelectrolytic adjective

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

The current cost of electrolytic green hydrogen, however, is steep: $4.50 to $12 per kilogram.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 25, 2024

Similar electrolytic techniques have been used for decades to extract aluminum from bauxite.

From Science Magazine • Apr. 30, 2024

Instead of the zinc shavings being used to precipitate the gold out of the solution, the process is electrolytic.

From Marvels of Scientific Invention An Interesting Account in Non-technical Language of the Invention of Guns, Torpedoes, Submarine Mines, Up-to-date Smelting, Freezing, Colour Photography, and many other recent Discoveries of Science by Corbin, Thomas W.