electrolysis

noun

elec·​trol·​y·​sis i-ˌlek-ˈträ-lə-səs 

1

a

: the producing of chemical changes by passage of an electric current through an electrolyte

b

: subjection to this action

2

: the destruction of hair roots by an electrologist using direct current

Examples of electrolysis in a Sentence

She had electrolysis done on her upper lip.

Recent Examples on the Web

Low renewable energy prices and advancements in electrolysis will drive hydrogen’s growth. —Ken Silverstein, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

The technique behind these lofty goals is a relatively mundane one: electrolysis, which is the use of an electric current to drive a chemical reaction. —Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 23 Oct. 2024

For electrolysis to be a viable source of plant nutrition, this figure would need to be increased significantly. —Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 23 Oct. 2024

The difference is, instead of using oil, which pollutes and heats the planet, the carbon in synthetic fuels is sucked from the air with filters, while the hydrogen comes from water using the process of electrolysis, powered with renewable energy sources like wind and solar. —Sam Joseph, CNN, 1 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

electrolysis

noun

elec·​trol·​y·​sis i-ˌlek-ˈträl-ə-səs 

1

: the producing of chemical changes by passage of an electric current through an electrolyte

2

: the destruction of hair roots with an electric current

Medical Definition

electrolysis

noun

elec·​trol·​y·​sis i-ˌlek-ˈträl-ə-səs 

plural electrolyses -ˌsēz 

1

a

: the process of producing chemical changes by passage of an electric current through an electrolyte

b

: subjection to this action

2

: the destruction of hair roots by an electrologist by means of an electric current applied to the body with a needle-shaped electrode