A chemical process where a substance breaks down into simpler parts through electricity that the substance itself generates.
From 'auto-' (self), 'electro-' (electricity), and 'lysis' (breaking apart). The term developed in electrochemistry in the late 1800s to describe self-sustaining electrical decomposition.
Some materials can essentially poison themselves electrically—they generate the exact electrical current that tears them apart, creating a self-destruct loop that happens automatically!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.