autolysis

[aw-tol-uh-sis]

noun Biochemistry.

the breakdown of plant or animal tissue by the action of enzymes contained in the tissue affected; self-digestion.

Origin of autolysis

First recorded in 1900–05; auto-¹ + -lysis

Related formsau·to·lyt·ic

[awt-l-it-ik] /ˌɔt lˈɪt ɪk/, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for autolysis

Historical Examples of autolysis

This process of self-digestion is known technically as autolysis.
The Fundamentals of Bacteriology
Charles 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 Whole
Jacques Loeb
Such a constituent may be responsible for phagocytosis and autolysis in the organs undergoing absorption.
The Organism as a Whole
Jacques Loeb
The products of this autolysis are carried by the lymphatics to healthy tissues and thus may spread the infection.
The Propaganda for Reform in Proprietary Medicines, Vol. 1 of 2
Various
Only in tumors in which autolysis is active intra vitam does the method exert any effect.
The Propaganda for Reform in Proprietary Medicines, Vol. 2 of 2
Various

British Dictionary definitions for autolysis

autolysis

noun

the destruction of cells and tissues of an organism by enzymes produced by the cells themselves

Derived Formsautolytic (ˌɔːtəˈlɪtɪk), adjective

Word Origin for autolysis

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 in Medicine

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

Related formsau′to•lyt′ic (ô′tə-lĭt′ĭk) adj.