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

One prominent example is hydrogen production via water electrolysis—a process that promises low-carbon hydrogen but comes with a unique set of hurdles. —IEEE Spectrum, 29 Jan. 2025

The more climate-friendly alternative is to create hydrogen through electrolysis, splitting water into oxygen and hydrogen using electricity. —Justine Calma, The Verge, 6 Jan. 2025

Producing this hydrogen, particularly through electrolysis powered by renewable energy, would place additional demands on energy grids and necessitate further infrastructure expansion. —IEEE Spectrum, 29 Jan. 2025

Beyond that, laser hair removal and electrolysis have some key similarities and differences. —Cristina Mutchler, Health, 27 Jan. 2025

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