cytolysis

American  

[sahy-tol-uh-sis] / saɪˈtɒl ə sɪs /

noun

Physiology.

1. the dissolution or degeneration of cells.

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cytolysis British  

/ ˌsaɪtəˈlɪtɪk, saɪˈtɒlɪsɪs /

noun

1. cytology the dissolution of cells, esp by the destruction of their membranes

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Other Word Forms

• cytolytic adjective

Etymology

Origin of cytolysis

First recorded in 1905–10; cyto- + -lysis

Example Sentences

It is well known that the blood corpuscles, as a rule, undergo cytolysis if injected into the blood of an animal which belongs to a different family.

From Darwin and Modern Science by Seward, A. C. (Albert Charles)

Many pathologists assume that haemolysis or cytolysis is due to a liquefaction of certain fatty or fat-like compounds, the so-called lipoids, in the cell.

From Darwin and Modern Science by Seward, A. C. (Albert Charles)

Membrane-formation is, therefore, caused by a superficial or incomplete cytolysis.

From Darwin and Modern Science by Seward, A. C. (Albert Charles)

Some substance contained in the blood causes, presumably, a superficial cytolysis of the egg and thus starts its development.

From Darwin and Modern Science by Seward, A. C. (Albert Charles)

The writer believes that the subsequent treatment of the egg with hypertonic sea-water is needed only to overcome the destructive effects of this partial cytolysis.

From Darwin and Modern Science by Seward, A. C. (Albert Charles)