biolysis

[ bahy-ol-uh-sis ]

noun

, Biology.

1. disintegration of organic matter through the biochemical action of living organisms, as bacteria.

biolysis

/ baɪˈɒlɪsɪs; ˌbaɪəˈlɪtɪk /

noun

1. the death and dissolution of a living organism
2. the disintegration of organic matter by the action of bacteria etc

Derived Forms

• biolytic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of biolysis¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1895–1900; bio-, -lysis