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lytic

[ lit-ik ]
/ ˈlɪt ɪk /
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adjective
of, noting, or pertaining to lysis or a lysin.
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Origin of lytic

First recorded in 1885–90, lytic is from the Greek word lytikós able to loosen. See -lyte1, -ic

Other definitions for lytic (2 of 2)

-lytic

a combining form occurring in adjectives that correspond to nouns ending in -lysis: analytic; paralytic.

Origin of -lytic

see origin at lytic
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use lytic in a sentence

  • Third, lytic agents in the blood serum may play the chief rle in the liberation of the toxic agent from its non-toxic combination.

    Handbook of Medical Entomology|William Albert Riley

British Dictionary definitions for lytic (1 of 2)

lytic
/ (ˈlɪtɪk) /

adjective
relating to, causing, or resulting from lysis
of or relating to a lysin

Word Origin for lytic

C19: Greek lutikos capable of loosing

British Dictionary definitions for lytic (2 of 2)

-lytic

adj combining form
indicating a loosening or dissolvingparalytic

Word Origin for -lytic

from Greek, from lusis; 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
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