electrolysis
(iːlɛk-, ɛlɛkˈtrɒlɪsɪs)
[f. electro- + Gr. λύσις unbinding; after analysis.]
1. a. Chemical decomposition by galvanic action.
| 1834 W. Whewell Let. 5 May (1876) II. 182 If you take anode and cathode, I would propose for the two elements resulting from electrolysis the terms anion and cation. 1839–47 Todd Cycl. Anat. III. 720/1 The organ generates electricity..and can effect electrolysis. 1873 H. Spencer Stud. Sociol. ix. 224 The great contributions of Faraday—magneto-electricity, the quantitative law of electrolysis. |
b. as the name of a branch of science.
| 1870 R. Ferguson Electr. 161 Electrolysis is generally understood to treat of the changes effected in a substance subjected to, but not giving rise to, the current. |
2. a. Surgery. The breaking up of tumours, also of calculi, by electric agency.
| 1867 Althaus in Brit. Med. Journ. 11 May, Tumours..treated by electrolysis. 1871 Sir T. Watson Princ. Med. (ed. 5) II. 634 Dr. Hilton Fagge..[has] treated light cases of hydatid disease of the Liver by electrolysis. |
b. (See quots.)
| 1909 Daily Mirror 4 Oct. 10/3 (Advt.), Electrolysis. Superfluous hair permanently removed; ladies only; consultations free. 1934 Webster, Electrolysis, surgical destruction, as of hair roots..with an electric current. 1959 Woman 5 Sept. 18/1 The only permanent way of getting rid of superfluous hair is by electrolysis. |