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

The device achieves an ultra-low detection limit of 0.14 pM using gold nanoparticles and titanium carbide MXene films, with autonomous sweat induction via iontophoresis, microfluidic sampling, and real-time BLE wireless transmission to mobile devices. —Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 27 Feb. 2026

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

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