electrolysis

[ ih-lek-trol-uh-sis, ee-lek- ]

noun

1. Physical Chemistry. the passage of an electric current through an electrolyte with subsequent migration of positively and negatively charged ions to the negative and positive electrodes.
2. the destruction of hair roots, tumors, etc., by an electric current.

electrolysis

/ ɪlɛkˈtrɒlɪsɪs /

noun

1. the conduction of electricity by a solution or melt, esp the use of this process to induce chemical changes
2. the destruction of living tissue, such as hair roots, by an electric current, usually for cosmetic reasons

Word History and Origins

Origin of electrolysis¹

First recorded in 1830–40; electro- + -lysis

Word History and Origins

Origin of electrolysis¹

C19: from electro- + -lysis

Example Sentences

Green hydrogen takes energy from renewables, cyanobacteria, or algae to separate hydrogen molecules from water through electrolysis.

From Popular-Science

A common example of electrolysis is the use of energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.

From Science News For Students

Martian air is drawn into the device through a filter, and a mechanical pump compresses it down to Earth-like settings, forwarding carbon dioxide to the electrolysis system.

From MIT Technology Review

Peter Fairley argues that such projects are just a first step to an envisioned global network of electrolysis plants that run on solar and wind power, churning out clean hydrogen.

From MIT Technology Review

However, the consultancy McKinsey estimates that by 2030 green hydrogen will be as cheap as gray hydrogen, thanks to cheaper electrolysis and renewable electricity generation as well as to rising carbon costs.

From MIT Technology Review

She used electrolysis to banish the prickly hair from her delicate face.

From The Daily Beast

This may be demonstrated by subjecting the solution to electrolysis in a U-tube (p. 45).

From Project Gutenberg

This method may not be a cure for electrolysis, but will add to the life of the pipe.

From Project Gutenberg

The process by which an electric current decomposes a solution and deposits a substance upon an electrode is called electrolysis.

From Project Gutenberg

Electrolysis is also used as a means of storing electrical energy in a chemical form (see Secondary Cell).

From Project Gutenberg

According to the modern theory of electrolysis, all electrolytes contain a greater or smaller number of free ions.

From Project Gutenberg