lysis
[ lahy-sis ]
/ ˈlaɪ sɪs /
Save This Word!
noun, plural ly·ses [lahy-seez]. /ˈlaɪ siz/.
Immunology, Biochemistry. the dissolution or destruction of cells by lysins.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
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
Other definitions 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
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use lysis in a sentence
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 downelectrolysis; paralysis
Word Origin for -lysis
from Greek, from lusis a loosening; see lysis
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for lysis
lysis
[ lī′sĭs ]
The disintegration of a cell resulting from destruction of its membrane by a chemical substance, especially an antibody or enzyme.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.