autolysis

[ aw-tol-uh-sis ]
/ ɔˈtɒl ə sɪs /

noun Biochemistry.

the breakdown of plant or animal tissue by the action of enzymes contained in the tissue affected; self-digestion.

Origin of autolysis

First recorded in 1900–05; auto-1 + -lysis

OTHER WORDS FROM autolysis

au·to·lyt·ic [awt-l-it-ik] /ˌɔt lˈɪt ɪk/, adjective

Words nearby autolysis

autologous graft, autolycus, autolysate, autolyse, autolysin, autolysis, autolytic enzyme, autolyze, automagical, automagically, automaker

Example sentences from the Web for autolysis

British Dictionary definitions for autolysis

autolysis
/ (ɔːˈtɒlɪsɪs) /

noun

the destruction of cells and tissues of an organism by enzymes produced by the cells themselves

Derived forms of autolysis

autolytic (ˌɔːtəˈlɪtɪk), adjective

Word Origin for autolysis

C20: via German from Greek autos self + lusis loosening, release

Medical definitions for autolysis

autolysis
[ ô-tŏl′ĭ-sĭs ]

n.

The destruction of tissues or cells of an organism by the action of substances, such as enzymes, that are produced within the organism.
Self-destruction of tissues within the living body. autodigestion
The hemolytic action of blood serum or plasma upon its own cells. autocytolysis

Other words from autolysis

au′to•lyt′ic (ô′tə-lĭt′ĭk) adj.