electrolysis

noun

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

Definition of electrolysis

1a : 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

Namely, hydrogen is difficult to store, and making it a truly zero-emissions source of fuel requires renewable electricity to perform water electrolysis. — Megan Geuss, Ars Technica, "First hydrogen-powered train hits the tracks in Germany," 20 Sep. 2018 It was first codified by British scientific legend Michael Faraday, whose two laws of electrolysis from 1834 still guide scientists today. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "Scientists Are Now Transforming Saltwater Into Hydrogen Fuel," 20 Mar. 2019 The hydrogen itself can be produced by running this process in reverse, which is called electrolysis. — Avery Thompson, Popular Mechanics, "Where Are All the Hydrogen Cars?," 10 Aug. 2018 However, hydrogen can be created through water electrolysis, using renewable energy as an electricity input. — Megan Geuss, Ars Technica, "California’s cap-and-trade dollars are building a hydrogen fuel cell boat," 8 Nov. 2018 But abundant electricity from wind power, especially at night when demand for electricity in general is low, could be used to stimulate water electrolysis, a process that could make green hydrogen. — Megan Geuss, Ars Technica, "International Energy Agency predicts wind will dominate Europe’s grid by 2027," 28 Sep. 2018 This will protect the electrical connects from corrosion and electrolysis. — Timothy Dahl, Popular Mechanics, "How to Waterproof Your Cordless Power Tools," 27 Jan. 2016 Seawater chemistry In electrolysis, a device powered by electricity is used to split H2O, producing hydrogen gas. — Scott K. Johnson, Ars Technica, "Splitting water for fuel while removing CO₂ from the air," 28 June 2018 The process using photo catalysts is the best option for space travel as the equipment weighs much less than the one needed for electrolysis. — Charles W. Dunnill, Scientific American, "Method of Making Oxygen from Water in Zero Gravity Raises Hope for Long-Distance Space Travel," 10 July 2018

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.