hydrolysis

[hahy-drol-uh-sis] /haɪˈdrɒl ə sɪs/
noun, plural hydrolyses
[hahy-drol-uh-seez] /haɪˈdrɒl əˌsiz/ (Show IPA)
1.
chemical decomposition in which a compound is split into other compounds by reacting with water.
Origin
1875-80; hydro-1 + -lysis
Examples from the web for hydrolysis
  • Water can also be split into hydrogen using electricity, in a process known as hydrolysis.
  • The hydrolysis of cellulose is made via several enzymes named cellulases.
British Dictionary definitions for hydrolysis

hydrolysis

/haɪˈdrɒlɪsɪs/
noun
1.
a chemical reaction in which a compound reacts with water to produce other compounds
Word Origin and History for hydrolysis
n.

"chemical decomposition by water," 1880, formed in English from hydro- + Greek lysis "a loosening, a dissolution," from lyein "to loosen, dissolve" (see lose).

hydrolysis in Medicine

hydrolysis hy·drol·y·sis (hī-drŏl'ĭ-sĭs)
n.
Decomposition of a chemical compound by reaction with water, such as the dissociation of a dissolved salt or the catalytic conversion of starch to glucose.


hy'dro·lyt'ic (-drə-lĭt'ĭk) adj.
hy'dro·lyze' (-drə-līz) v.
hydrolysis in Science
hydrolysis
  (hī-drŏl'ĭ-sĭs)   
The breaking down of a chemical compound into two or more simpler compounds by reacting with water. The proteins, fats, and complex carbohydrates in food are broken down in the body by hydrolysis that is catalyzed by enzymes in the digestive tract.