# electrolysis

> English word · Noun · IPA /ɪlɛkˈtɹɒləsɪs/ · frequency rank #40,677

## Definitions
1. The chemical change produced by passing an electric current through a conducting solution or a molten salt.
2. 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.

## Common misspellings (19)
`eelctrolysis`, `elcetrolysis`, `elecctrolysis`, `elecrtolysis`, `electorlysis`, `electrloysis`, `electrollysis`, `electrolsyis`, `electrolyiss`, `electrolysiss`, `electrolyssi`, `electrolyssis`, `electrolyysis`, `electroylsis`, `electrrolysis`, `electtrolysis`, `eletcrolysis`, `ellectrolysis`, `leectrolysis`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/electrolysis