electrolysis
nounUK /ɪlɛkˈtɹɒləsɪs/
Etymology Coined by English polymath William Whewell in 1834 for Michael Faraday. From electro- + -lysis (“a loosening”). Originally of tumors, later (1909) of hair removal.
1
Chemistry, Natural sciences, Physical sciences The chemical change produced by passing an electric current through a conducting solution or a molten salt.
- But current leakage in a Tube tunnel can cause electrolysis to occur in steel retaining walls, which in turn causes them to rust; it could also damage the foundations of nearby buildings.2012, Andrew Martin, Underground Overground: A passenger's history of the Tube, Profile Books, →ISBN, page 136:
2
The destruction of hair roots by means of an electric current.
- Derived terms
- cycloelectrolysis, photoelectrolysis
- Related terms
- electrolytic, electrolyze, electroplating