autolysis

[ aw-tol-uh-sis ]

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

Origin of autolysis

1
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

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How to use autolysis in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for autolysis

autolysis

/ (ɔːˈtɒlɪsɪs) /


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

Origin of autolysis

1
C20: via German from Greek autos self + lusis loosening, release

Derived forms of autolysis

  • autolytic (ˌɔːtəˈlɪtɪk), adjective

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