autolysis
[ aw-tol-uh-sis ]
/ ɔˈtɒl ə sɪs /
noun Biochemistry.
the breakdown of plant or animal tissue by the action of enzymes contained in the tissue affected; self-digestion.
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OTHER WORDS FROM autolysis
au·to·lyt·ic [awt-l-it-ik] /ˌɔt lˈɪt ɪk/, adjectiveWords nearby autolysis
autologous graft, autolycus, autolysate, autolyse, autolysin, autolysis, autolytic enzyme, autolyze, automagical, automagically, automaker
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for autolysis
British Dictionary definitions for autolysis
autolysis
/ (ɔːˈtɒlɪsɪs) /
noun
the destruction of cells and tissues of an organism by enzymes produced by the cells themselves
Derived forms of autolysis
autolytic (ˌɔːtəˈlɪtɪk), adjectiveWord Origin for autolysis
C20: via German from Greek autos self + lusis loosening, release
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Medical definitions for autolysis
autolysis
[ ô-tŏl′ĭ-sĭs ]
n.
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
Other words from autolysis
au′to•lyt′ic (ô′tə-lĭt′ĭk) adj.The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.