electrolysis

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   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.

2. 2
   noun

   removing superfluous or unwanted hair by passing an electric current through the hair root

3. 3
   noun

   (chemistry) a chemical decomposition reaction produced by passing an electric current through a solution containing ions

4. 4
   noun

   The destruction of hair roots by means of an electric current.

Coined by English polymath William Whewell in 1834 for Michael Faraday. From electro- + -lysis (“a loosening”). Originally of tumors, later (1909) of hair removal.

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