ScienceAugust 15, 2026

electrolyzer

ee-LEK-truh-ly-zer

Definition

A device or apparatus that uses an electric current to induce a chemical reaction, specifically to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.

Etymology

Derived from the English 'electrolyze' (formed from Greek 'elektron' for amber, referring to electricity, and 'lysis' meaning a loosening or dissolution) plus the suffix '-er' denoting an agent.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe the geological process of radioactive decay, which functions similarly to a man-made industrial tool that splits water.

Instead of making hydrogen, this Canadian company is drilling for it

Read the full article ↗

CBC

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