Electrolysis (noun)

1. The process of using electricity to break down a chemical compound.
2. A method of decomposing chemical compounds by passing an electric current through them.
3. The chemical process in which an electric current is passed through a substance in order to cause a chemical change.

Origin:

From the greek words "electron" meaning "amber" (referring to the fact that early electrolysis experiments used amber plates) and "lysis" meaning "to loosen or break up". it entered the english language in the 19th century.

Examples:

1. The process of electroplating involves the use of electrolysis.
2. The electrolysis of water is used to produce hydrogen and oxygen.
3. The electrolysis of copper sulfate produces copper and sulfuric acid.
4. Electrolysis is used to remove unwanted hair.
5. Electrolysis is used in the refining of metals.