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.
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 Unlike hydrogen produced through processes such as steam methane reforming or water electrolysis, geologic hydrogen occurs naturally, much like oil or natural gas. Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025 Initial research suggested potato-size nodules rich in metals, predominantly found 4,000 meters (13,100 feet) below the surface in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, released an electrical charge, splitting seawater into oxygen and hydrogen through electrolysis. Katie Hunt, CNN, 17 Jan. 2025 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 2 Feb. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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