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

These are located around the country where there is a possible hydrogen resource — either an abundance of electricity for electrolysis of water or natural gas, which will be reformed to release hydrogen, the carbon being captured on-site and either used or stored. —Llewellyn King, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024

Some doctors may adjust the incision point accordingly, while others will use electrolysis to resculpt the beard lines for a natural result. —Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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