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

In contrast, Europe has an extensive network of clean energy, and as such is doing a lot of work in electrolytic hydrogen production.

From Science Daily • Sep. 20, 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

In this manner, the appearance of the secondary sparks can be varied from the thin snappy sparks given by the hammer break to the thick flame-like arc sparks given by the electrolytic break.

From Hertzian Wave Wireless Telegraphy by Fleming, John Ambrose