electrolysis

noun

elec·​trol·​y·​sis i-ˌlek-ˈträ-lə-səs How to pronounce electrolysis (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
No one thought about the implications of shooting in seawater and the negative effects of electrolysis. Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 20 June 2025 Direct Ocean Capture is another form of Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) that uses electrolysis and filters to tackle legacy carbon at scale. Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025 Next, the system uses renewable electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2025 These old beauty standards were likely the reasons Marilyn Monroe and Rita Hayworth underwent hairline electrolysis, a painful procedure that involves using a metal probe to zap individual hair follicles, permanently getting rid of any affected hair. Jennifer Adams, StyleCaster, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for electrolysis

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of electrolysis was in 1834

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Electrolysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electrolysis. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

electrolysis

noun
elec·​trol·​y·​sis i-ˌlek-ˈträl-ə-səs How to pronounce electrolysis (audio)
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 How to pronounce electrolysis (audio)
plural electrolyses -ˌsēz How to pronounce electrolysis (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on electrolysis

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