electrolysis
/ɪlɛkˈtɹɒləsɪs/ noun
Forms electrolyses
- noun (chemistry) The chemical change produced by passing an electric current through a conducting solution or a molten salt.
- noun The destruction of hair roots by means of an electric current.
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.
Webster’s 1913
- noun 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.
Sources: Wiktionary · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “electrolysis”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details