photolysis

[ foh-tol-uh-sis ]
/ foʊˈtɒl ə sɪs /

noun

the chemical decomposition of materials under the influence of light.

Origin of photolysis

First recorded in 1910–15; photo- + -lysis

OTHER WORDS FROM photolysis

pho·to·lyt·ic [foht-l-it-ik] /ˌfoʊt lˈɪt ɪk/, adjective

Words nearby photolysis

photolitho, photolithograph, photolithography, photoluminescence, photoluminescent, photolysis, photolyze, photom., photomacrograph, photomap, photomechanical

Definition for photolyses (2 of 2)

photolyze
[ foht-l-ahyz ]
/ ˈfoʊt lˌaɪz /
Chemistry

verb (used with object), pho·to·lyzed, pho·to·lyz·ing.

to break down molecules with light.

verb (used without object), pho·to·lyzed, pho·to·lyz·ing.

to experience photolysis.
Also especially British, pho·to·lyse.

Origin of photolyze

1935–40; photo(lysis) + -lyze, on the model of analysis, analyze

OTHER WORDS FROM photolyze

pho·to·ly·za·tion, noun

British Dictionary definitions for photolyses

photolysis
/ (fəʊˈtɒlɪsɪs) /

noun

chemical decomposition caused by light or other electromagnetic radiation Compare radiolysis

Derived forms of photolysis

photolytic (ˌfəʊtəʊˈlɪtɪk), adjective

Medical definitions for photolyses

photolysis
[ fō-tŏl′ĭ-sĭs ]

n.

Chemical decomposition induced by light or other radiant energy.

Other words from photolysis

pho′to•lyt′ic (fō′tə-lĭt′ĭk) adj.

Scientific definitions for photolyses

photolysis
[ fō-tŏl′ĭ-sĭs ]

Chemical decomposition induced by light or other radiant energy. Photolysis plays an important role in photosynthesis, during which it produces energy by splitting water molecules into gaseous oxygen and hydrogen ions.