electrolysis Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun (chemistry) a chemical decomposition reaction produced by passing an electric current through a solution containing ions
  2. noun removing superfluous or unwanted hair by passing an electric current through the hair root

WordNet

E`lec*trol"y*sis noun
Etymology
Electro- + Gr. a loosing, dissolving, fr. to loose, dissolve.
Definitions
  1. (Physics & Chem.) The act or process of chemical decomposition, by the action of electricity; as, the electrolysis of silver or nickel for plating; the electrolysis of water.

Webster 1913