Electrodeposits

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A layer or coating formed through the process of electrolysis where metal ions are deposited onto a substrate
2. A result of electrochemical reactions that create solid metallic films on surfaces from a solution containing metal ions
3. The material accumulated on a surface during the electrodeposition process, often used in manufacturing and electroplating applications

Etymology: "Electrodeposits" is the plural of "electrodeposit", a noun for a coating laid down on a surface by an electric current. The word is built from "electro-", the combining form of "electricity" (itself drawn from Greek "elektron", amber, which yielded static charge when rubbed), and "deposit", which comes from Latin "depositum", something entrusted or set down, from "deponere", to put down. The "deposit" half carries the sense of setting something down in a layer, the same idea behind silt deposited by a river. Put the two halves together and the literal picture is simple: electricity used to lay material down onto a surface, one layer at a time. The compound is a transparent technical formation, so its meaning is clear from its parts.