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

From traditional laser hair removal to electrolysis, a procedure that a permanent hair removal method that uses an electric current to destroy hair follicles, and vajacials and facials, the laser equipment is adjusted based on your skin color, hair color, and hair coarseness. —Náosha Gregg, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025

One technique uses electrolysis to replace the blast furnaces and create a zero carbon form of material. —Michael Franco, New Atlas, 21 Mar. 2025

The Exploring Venus with Electrolysis (EVE) project would use electrolysis to replenish a balloon to allow exploration of the Venusian atmosphere, which is potentially habitable. —Andrew Jones, Space.com, 23 Feb. 2025

And for many industrial processes requiring high-temperature reactions, such as fertilizer production and steel manufacturing, hydrogen is basically the only alternative to fossil fuels, says Kathy Ayers, a water electrolysis expert at Nel Hydrogen, a Norwegian electrolyzer producer. —science.org, 23 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for electrolysis

• fibrinolysis
• radiolysis
• autolysis
• cytolysis
• glycolysis
• haemolysis
• hydrolysis
• lipolysis
• photolysis
• pyrolysis
• thermolysis
• glycogenolysis

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