autolysis
[aw-tol-uh-sis]
- the breakdown of plant or animal tissue by the action of enzymes contained in the tissue affected; self-digestion.
Show More
Origin of autolysis
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for autolysis
Historical Examples
This process of self-digestion is known technically as autolysis.
The Fundamentals of BacteriologyCharles Bradfield Morrey
This disintegration may be due to a process of autolysis, which sets in only after the egg has extruded the two polar bodies.
The Organism as a WholeJacques Loeb
Such a constituent may be responsible for phagocytosis and autolysis in the organs undergoing absorption.
The Organism as a WholeJacques Loeb
The products of this autolysis are carried by the lymphatics to healthy tissues and thus may spread the infection.
Only in tumors in which autolysis is active intra vitam does the method exert any effect.
autolysis
- the destruction of cells and tissues of an organism by enzymes produced by the cells themselves
Show More
Word Origin
C20: via German from Greek autos self + lusis loosening, release
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
autolysis
(ô-tŏl′ĭ-sĭs)- The destruction of tissues or cells of an organism by the action of substances, such as enzymes, that are produced within the organism.
- Self-destruction of tissues within the living body.autodigestion
- The hemolytic action of blood serum or plasma upon its own cells.autocytolysis
Show More
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.