hydrolysis

American  

[hahy-drol-uh-sis] / haɪˈdrɒl ə sɪs /

noun

hydrolyses plural

1. chemical decomposition in which a compound is split into other compounds by reacting with water.

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hydrolysis British  

/ haɪˈdrɒlɪsɪs /

noun

1. a chemical reaction in which a compound reacts with water to produce other compounds

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hydrolysis Scientific  

/ hī-drŏl′ĭ-sĭs /

1. The reaction of water with another chemical compound to form two or more products, involving the ionization of the water molecule and usually splitting the other compound. The proteins, fats, and complex carbohydrates in food are broken down in the body by hydrolysis that is catalyzed by enzymes in the digestive tract.

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Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• hydrolyses
  plural

Etymology

Origin of hydrolysis

First recorded in 1875–80; hydro- ¹ + -lysis

Example Sentences

Hydrolysis is used to form linkages in DNA.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Hydrolysis of GTP to GDP terminates the signal.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Hydrolysis is the main process that breaks down silicate rock and creates clay minerals.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2017

Hydrolysis of GTP by elongation factor G drives tRNA movement on the ribosome.

From Scientific American • May 1, 2013

Hydrolysis of hydrocyanic acid by means of hydrochloric acid yields formic acid.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 6 "Foraminifera" to "Fox, Edward" by Various