Electroplate is a process of coating a metal surface with a thin layer of another metal using electricity. It is commonly used to protect the surface from corrosion and wear, as well as to improve its appearance. The term 'electroplate' is composed of three parts: electro, PLATE, and COAT. Electro refers to the use of electricity in the process, PLATE refers to the metal surface being coated, and COAT refers to the thin layer of metal applied to the surface.