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.
Someone else’s electrolysis is my bikini-line shaving. — Caroline Rothstein, InStyle, 30 Dec. 2025 Emulsion, oil, acrylic, shellac, gold leaf and sediment of electrolysis on canvas. — Mark Whitaker, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026 Last month, Dostal said the cannon was submerged in the sodium hydroxide solution, also known as an electrolysis bath, which uses an electric current to stabilize the metal and clear it of any salt. — Jarrod Wardwell, Houston Chronicle, 22 Feb. 2026 Water electrolysis is a method used to produce hydrogen without carbon emissions, but the oxygen evolution reaction often presents a performance bottleneck. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 22 May 2026 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

Rhymes for electrolysis

See All Rhymes for electrolysis

Browse Nearby Words

electroluminescent
electrolysis
electrolyte
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Electrolysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electrolysis. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of electrolysis for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about electrolysis

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