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  • lysis
    lysis
    noun
    the dissolution or destruction of cells by lysins.
  • -lysis
    -lysis
    a combining form with the meaning “breaking down, loosening, decomposition,” used in the formation of compound words.

lysis

1 American  
[lahy-sis] / ˈlaɪ sɪs /

noun

lyses plural
  1. Immunology, Biochemistry. the dissolution or destruction of cells by lysins.

  2. Medicine/Medical. the gradual recession of a disease.


-lysis 2 American  
  1. a combining form with the meaning “breaking down, loosening, decomposition,” used in the formation of compound words.

    analysis; electrolysis; paralysis.


lysis 1 British  
/ ˈlaɪsɪs /

noun

  1. the destruction or dissolution of cells by the action of a particular lysin

  2. med the gradual reduction in severity of the symptoms of a disease

"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

-lysis 2 British  

combining form

  1. indicating a loosening, decomposition, or breaking down

    electrolysis

    paralysis

"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

lysis Scientific  
/ līsĭs /
  1. The disintegration of a cell resulting from destruction of its membrane by a chemical substance, especially an antibody or enzyme.


Etymology

Origin of lysis1

1815–25; < New Latin < Greek lýsis a loosening, releasing, equivalent to ly-, variant stem of lȳ́ ( ein ) to loosen, release + -sis -sis

Origin of -lysis2

From Greek; see origin at lysis

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