electrolysis
noun
- technique that uses a direct electric current to drive an otherwise non-spontaneous chemical reaction
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ɪlɛkˈtɹɒləsɪs/
noun
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.
- 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.”
- The destruction of hair roots by means of an electric current.