autolysis

[ aw-tol-uh-sis ]

/ ɔˈtɒl ə sɪs /

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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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Origin of autolysis

First recorded in1900–05; auto-¹ + -lysis

OTHER WORDS FROM autolysis

au·to·lyt·ic

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

Words nearby autolysis

autologous graft, Autolycus, autolysate, autolyse, autolysin, autolysis, autolytic enzyme, autolyze, automagical, automagically, automaker

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use autolysis in a sentence

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
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

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), 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

Medical definitions for autolysis

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

Other words from autolysis

au′to•lyt′ic (ô′tə-lĭt′ĭk) adj.