electrolysis

electrolysis

 [e″lek-trol´ĭ-sis]

destruction by passage of a galvanic current, as in disintegration of a chemical compound in solution or removal of excessive hair from the body.

e·lec·trol·y·sis

(ē'lek-trol'i-sis),

1. Decomposition of a salt or other chemical compound by means of an electric current.

2. Destruction of hair follicles by means of galvanic electricity.

3. A chemical change brought about by a direct electric current.

[electro- + G. lysis, dissolution]

e·lec·trol·y·sis

(ĕ-lek-trol'i-sis)

1. Decomposition of a salt or other chemical compound by means of an electric current.

2. Destruction of certain hair follicles by means of galvanic electricity.

[electro- + G. lysis, dissolution]

electrolysis

The decomposition of a solution by the passage of an electric current to separate charged particles (ions). Water can be separated into the gases hydrogen and oxygen by this means. The term is used for electrical destruction of unwanted hair follicles, but the main destructive effect is one of heating.