Electroless

/ɪˈlɛktroʊləs/ adjective

Definition

Describing a chemical process or coating method that doesn't require an external electrical current, relying instead on chemical reactions alone.

Etymology

From 'electro-' negated by '-less' suffix. The term emerged in the mid-20th century to describe a new category of plating and coating technology.

Kelly Says

Electroless plating is like magic—you dunk something in a chemical bath and precious metals stick to it without plugging anything in, which is how smartphone components and complex electronics get their protective coatings.

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