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

How Pool Water Affects Your Skin Chlorine and other pool disinfectants, such as bromine, ozone, ultraviolet lamps (UV), and salt electrolysis, can affect the skin and hair.4 Sometimes, pool disinfection treatments can irritate your skin and eyes or dry out or discolor your hair. —William Truswell, Verywell Health, 16 Sep. 2024

Gauges that are part of the electrolysis plant of the geological hydrogen H2 storage facility. —Sam Meredith, CNBC, 12 Sep. 2024

The resort accesses the water via a borehole and treats it with salt electrolysis, a natural disinfectant method that reduces the need for chemical chlorination. —Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 4 Aug. 2024

One long-standing theory is that life evolved on deep-sea hydrothermal vents, and the discovery that seawater electrolysis could form oxygen in the deep could inspire fresh ways to think about how life began on Earth. —Katie Hunt, CNN, 22 July 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