electrolysis

e·lec·trol·y·sis   (ĭ-lěk-trŏl'ĭ-sĭs, ē'lěk-)    n.   Chemical change, especially decomposition, produced in an electrolyte by an electric current. Destruction of living tissue, especially of hair roots, by means of an electric current applied with a needle-shaped electrode.

electrolysis [(i-lek-trol-uh-sis)]

In chemistry, any process that brings about a chemical reaction by passing electric current through a material.

Note: The most common form of electrolysis is electroplating, in which a thin coat of metal is deposited on a solid object.

electrolysis 

Main Entry: elec·trol·y·sis
Pronunciation: i-"lek-'träl-&-s&s
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural elec·trol·y·ses /-"sEz/
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 with an electric current

electrolysis e·lec·trol·y·sis (ĭ-lěk-trŏl'ĭ-sĭs, ē'lěk-)
n.

1. Chemical change, especially decomposition, that is produced in an electrolyte by an electric current.

2. Destruction of living tissue, especially that of the hair roots, by means of an electric current applied with a needle-shaped electrode.

electrolysis   (ĭ-lěk-trŏl'ĭ-sĭs)  Pronunciation Key  A process in which a chemical change, especially decomposition, is brought about by passing an electric current through a solution of electrolytes so that the electrolyte's ions move toward the negative and positive electrodes and react with them. If negative ions move toward the anode, they lose electrons and become neutral, resulting in an oxidation reaction. This also happens if atoms of the anode lose electrons and go into the electrolyte solution as positive ions. If positive ions move toward the cathode and gain electrons, becoming neutral, a reduction reaction takes place. Electrolysis is used for many purposes, including the extraction of metals from ores, the cleaning of archaeological artifacts, and the coating of materials with thin layers of metal (electroplating).