lysis

[ lahy-sis ]
/ ˈlaɪ sɪs /

noun, plural ly·ses [lahy-seez] /ˈlaɪ siz/.

Immunology, Biochemistry. the dissolution or destruction of cells by lysins.
Medicine/Medical. the gradual recession of a disease. Compare crisis(def 4).

Origin of lysis

1815–25; < New Latin < Greek lýsis a loosening, releasing, equivalent to ly-, variant stem of lȳ́(ein) to loosen, release + -sis -sis

Definition for lysis (2 of 2)

-lysis

a combining form with the meaning “breaking down, loosening, decomposition,” used in the formation of compound words: analysis; electrolysis; paralysis.

Origin of -lysis

From Greek; see origin at lysis

Example sentences from the Web for lysis

British Dictionary definitions for lysis (1 of 2)

lysis
/ (ˈlaɪsɪs) /

noun plural -ses (-siːz)

the destruction or dissolution of cells by the action of a particular lysin
med the gradual reduction in severity of the symptoms of a disease

Word Origin for lysis

C19: New Latin, from Greek, from luein to release

British Dictionary definitions for lysis (2 of 2)

-lysis

n combining form

indicating a loosening, decomposition, or breaking down electrolysis; paralysis

Word Origin for -lysis

from Greek, from lusis a loosening; see lysis

Medical definitions for lysis (1 of 2)

lysis
[ līsĭs ]

n. pl. ly•ses (-sēz)

The gradual subsiding of the symptoms of an acute disease; a form of the recovery process.
The dissolution or destruction of cells, such as blood cells or bacteria, as by the action of a specific lysin.

Medical definitions for lysis (2 of 2)

-lysis

suff.

Decomposition; dissolving; disintegration:hydrolysis.

Scientific definitions for lysis

lysis
[ līsĭs ]

The disintegration of a cell resulting from destruction of its membrane by a chemical substance, especially an antibody or enzyme.