The word "electrolytic" is spelled with a combination of root words "electro-" and "-lytic." The prefix "electro-" refers to electricity, and the suffix "-lytic" refers to the dissolution, disintegration or separation of something. Therefore, the word "electrolytic" refers to processes that involve the use of electricity to dissolve or separate a substance. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced as /ɪˌlɛktrəˈlɪtɪk/.
Electrolytic is an adjective that describes a process or substance related to electrolysis or involving the use of an electrical current to decompose a compound or to produce a chemical change. In electrolysis, the passage of an electric current causes the decomposition of an electrolyte, leading to the migration of ions towards their respective electrodes.
In this context, electrolytic refers to the properties of a substance or a process that can be achieved through electrolysis. This includes the ability to generate or induce chemical reactions, dissolve or dissociate compounds into ions, or alter the properties of a substance through the application of an electrical current.
Electrolytic processes find applications in various fields, ranging from industry and manufacturing to medicine and energy storage. For instance, in electroplating, a thin layer of metal is deposited onto an object using an electrolytic cell. Electrolytic cells are also used in the production of chlorine, hydrogen, and other chemicals via industrial processes like the chloralkali process.
Furthermore, the term electrolytic can be used to describe substances that conduct electricity when dissolved in a solution or when in a molten state. Such substances are called electrolytes, and their ability to facilitate the movement of ions enables the electrolytic processes mentioned earlier.
In summary, the term electrolytic refers to substances or processes involving the decomposition, ionization, or chemical changes induced by the application of an electrical current.
Referring to or caused by electrolysis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Relating to electrolysis.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "electrolytic" is derived from the combination of two words: "electro" and "lytic".
The term "electro" is from the Ancient Greek word "ēlektron", which means "amber". This word refers to the natural phenomenon of amber becoming charged with static electricity when rubbed. Over time, "electro" has come to signify anything related to electricity or electrical phenomena.
The word "lytic" is derived from the Greek word "lȳsis", which means "loosening" or "dissolution". It is often connected to the breakdown or separation of a substance.
Therefore, "electrolytic" combines these two elements to denote a process or substance that involves the use of electricity to produce decomposition or dissolution, typically associated with the separation of chemical compounds into their constituent elements or ions.