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electrolysis

noun elec·trol·y·sis \ i-ˌlek-ˈträ-lə-səs \
|Updated on: 13 Jun 2018

Definition of electrolysis

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

See electrolysis defined for English-language learners

See electrolysis defined for kids

Examples of electrolysis in a Sentence

  1. She had electrolysis done on her upper lip.

Recent Examples of electrolysis from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'electrolysis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of electrolysis

1834

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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ELECTROLYSIS Defined for English Language Learners

electrolysis

noun

Definition of electrolysis for English Language Learners

  • : the process of removing unwanted hair by killing the hair root with an electric current

  • chemistry : the process of separating a liquid into its different chemical parts by passing an electric current through it

ELECTROLYSIS Defined for Kids

electrolysis

noun elec·trol·y·sis \ i-ˌlek-ˈträ-lə-səs \

Definition of electrolysis for Students

: the producing of chemical changes by passage of an electric current through a liquid

Medical Dictionary

electrolysis

noun elec·trol·y·sis \ i-ˌlek-ˈträl-ə-səs \

medical Definition of electrolysis

plural electrolyses play \-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

Learn More about electrolysis

  1. Spanish Central: Translation of electrolysis Nglish: Translation of electrolysis for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about electrolysis

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