hydrolysis

[ hahy-drol-uh-sis ]
/ haɪˈdrɒl ə sɪs /

noun, plural hy·drol·y·ses [hahy-drol-uh-seez] /haɪˈdrɒl əˌsiz/.

chemical decomposition in which a compound is split into other compounds by reacting with water.

Origin of hydrolysis

First recorded in 1875–80; hydro-1 + -lysis

Example sentences from the Web for hydrolysis

British Dictionary definitions for hydrolysis

hydrolysis
/ (haɪˈdrɒlɪsɪs) /

noun

a chemical reaction in which a compound reacts with water to produce other compounds

Medical definitions for hydrolysis

hydrolysis
[ hī-drŏlĭ-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.

Other words from hydrolysis

hy′dro•lytic (-drə-lĭtĭk) adj. hydro•lyze′ (-drə-līz) v.

Scientific definitions for hydrolysis

hydrolysis
[ hī-drŏlĭ-sĭs ]

The reaction of water with another chemical compound to form two or more products, involving the ionization of the water molecule and usually splitting the other compound. 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.