ELECTROLYSIS

(Lat.). n. f. E(a)-leak-tro2l'i2(u6 )-si . Gen., electrons'eos (-trol'ysis). From fi\ticrpov (see ELECTRICITY), and Av'eu-. to resolve. Fr., electrolyse. Ger.. Electrolyse. It., elettrolisi. Sp., electro lis is. Of Faraday, chemical decomposition accomplished by means of electricity; in medicine, the resolution of tumors, exudates, etc., by means of electricity, but without its caustic action. [E; L, 41, 44, 95 (a, 14).] Reversed e. Of H. E. Armstrong, all chemical action, regarded as a decomposition of compounded electrolytes. ["Nature," Sept. 17, 1885, p. 467 (B).] Secondary e. Chemical decomposition caused by the action of chemical principles which are themselves the immediate product of an e. [B.] [s. 672]