iontophoresis

noun

ion·​to·​pho·​re·​sis (ˌ)ī-ˌän-tə-fə-ˈrē-səs 

plural iontophoreses (ˌ)ī-ˌän-tə-fə-ˈrē-ˌsēz 

: the introduction of an ionized substance (such as a drug) through intact skin by the application of a direct electric current

iontophoretic

(ˌ)ī-ˌän-tə-fə-ˈre-tik 

adjective

iontophoretically

(ˌ)ī-ˌän-tə-fə-ˈre-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of iontophoresis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Using iontophoresis, the device delivers either a saline solution for electrical stimulation or a fluoxetine drug solution. —Diya Dwarakanath, IEEE Spectrum, 13 Nov. 2025

This may include iontophoresis, Botox injections, or surgery (in severe cases).3 Iontophoresis uses a mild electrical current to block the sweat glands temporarily. —Brandi Jones, Health, 30 July 2025

Recreating those sensations in VR has resulted in a handful of attempts at a flavor user interface, relying on such mechanisms as chemical, thermal, and electrical stimulation, as well as iontophoresis. —Ars Technica, 26 Nov. 2024

Tap water iontophoresis: One case report described successful treatment with this procedure, which involves a mild electrical current passed through tap water to temporarily shut off sweat glands. —Michael Menna, Verywell Health, 28 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Iontophorese, from ionto-, combining form representing Ion ion (borrowed from Greek iont-, iṓn, present participle of iénai "to go") + -o- -o- + -phorese -phoresis — more at issue entry 1

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for iontophoresis

• diaphoresis
• abscissas
• narcissus
• symphysis
• adenohypophysis
• apophysis
• diaphysis
• dionysus
• epiphysis
• hemolysis
• hypophysis
• metaphysis

Medical Definition

iontophoresis

noun

ion·​to·​pho·​re·​sis (ˌ)ī-ˌänt-ə-fə-ˈrē-səs 

plural iontophoreses -ˌsēz 

: the introduction of an ionized substance (as a drug) through intact skin by the application of a direct electric current

iontophorese

-ˈrēs 

transitive verb

iontophoresed; iontophoresing

iontophoretic

-ˈret-ik 

adjective

iontophoretically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb