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

Membrane degradation, electrolyte deterioration and unnecessary stress on the electrolysis system all reduce asset value over time. —Gregory Shahnovsky, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

Water electrolysis is a method used to produce hydrogen without carbon emissions, but the oxygen evolution reaction often presents a performance bottleneck. —Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 22 May 2026

The plant will feed on renewable power from Paraguay’s vast Itaipu dam to produce hydrogen by splitting water through electrolysis, which is then combined with nitrogen to create zero-carbon ammonia. —Natasha Bracken, semafor.com, 28 Apr. 2026

The system utilizes an existing technology known as Proton Exchange Membrane electrolysis to produce hydrogen from water. —New Atlas, 18 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for electrolysis

• fibrinolysis
• radiolysis
• autolysis
• cytolysis
• glycolysis
• haemolysis
• hydrolysis
• lipolysis
• photolysis
• pyrolysis
• thermolysis
• glycogenolysis

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