electrolysis

American  

[ih-lek-trol-uh-sis, ee-lek-] / ɪ lɛkˈtrɒl ə sɪs, ˌi lɛk- /

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.

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electrolysis British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of electrolysis

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