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
Current life-support systems such as those on the International Space Station (ISS) rely on bulky centrifuges to separate the oxygen and hydrogen bubbles created when water is split by electricity, a process known as electrolysis.
—
Andrew Jones, Space.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Using only small, off-the-shelf magnets, the researchers developed a system that passively separates oxygen bubbles from water during electrolysis without requiring extra power.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 2025
Running an electrolysis system directly from seawater can be tricky though, so the test platform also uses the heat generated from the electrolyzers to power an on-board desalinization plant.
—New Atlas, 17 July 2025
But now, researchers at the University of New South Wales Sydney have developed an enhanced way to make green ammonia through electrolysis.
—IEEE Spectrum, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for electrolysis
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Andrew Jones, Space.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Using only small, off-the-shelf magnets, the researchers developed a system that passively separates oxygen bubbles from water during electrolysis without requiring extra power.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 2025
Running an electrolysis system directly from seawater can be tricky though, so the test platform also uses the heat generated from the electrolyzers to power an on-board desalinization plant.
—New Atlas, 17 July 2025
But now, researchers at the University of New South Wales Sydney have developed an enhanced way to make green ammonia through electrolysis.
—IEEE Spectrum, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for electrolysis
Cite this Entry
“Electrolysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electrolysis. Accessed 7 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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