electrolysis

noun

elec·​trol·​y·​sis i-ˌlek-ˈträ-lə-səs How to pronounce electrolysis (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The hard-to-abate economic sectors, such as shipping and steel, will consume green hydrogen produced using electrolysis, adds DNV GL. Ken Silverstein, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for electrolysis 

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of electrolysis was in 1834

Dictionary Entries Near electrolysis

Cite this Entry

“Electrolysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electrolysis. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

electrolysis

noun
elec·​trol·​y·​sis i-ˌlek-ˈträl-ə-səs How to pronounce electrolysis (audio)
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 How to pronounce electrolysis (audio)
plural electrolyses -ˌsēz How to pronounce electrolysis (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on electrolysis

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