In chemistry, electrolysis is a technique that uses the direct electric current to drive an otherwise non-spontaneous chemical reaction. Electrolysis is commercially important as a stage in separating elements from naturally occurring sources such as ores using an electrolytic cell. The voltage that is needed for electrolysis to occur is called the decomposition potential. The word "lysis" means to separate or break, so in terms, electrolysis would mean either "breakdown of electricity" or "breakdown via electricity."