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chromatolysis

American  
[kroh-muh-tol-uh-sis] / ˌkroʊ məˈtɒl ə sɪs /

noun

Cell Biology, Pathology.
  1. the dissolution and disintegration of chromatin.


chromatolysis British  
/ ˌkrəʊməˈtɒlɪsɪs /

noun

  1. cytology the dissolution of stained material, such as chromatin in injured cells

"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

Other Word Forms

  • chromatolytic adjective

Etymology

Origin of chromatolysis

First recorded in 1900–05; chromato- + -lysis

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

If the axis cylinder is severed at any point, it degenerates beyond that point, and the nucleus of the nerve-cell disintegrates—chromatolysis.

From Project Gutenberg

Animals upon whom double adrenalectomy has been performed show a striking fall in temperature, muscular weakness,—after adrenalectomy the animal may not be able to stand even,—and progressive chromatolysis.

From Project Gutenberg

The injection of adrenalin causes striking brain-cell changes: first, a hyperchromatism, then a chromatolysis.

From Project Gutenberg

Adrenalin alone causes hyperchromatism followed by chromatolysis, and in overdosage causes the destruction of some brain-cells.

From Project Gutenberg