hemolysis

American  

[hi-mol-uh-sis] / hɪˈmɒl ə sɪs /

noun

1. the breaking down of red blood cells with liberation of hemoglobin.

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hemolysis Scientific  

/ hĭ-mŏl′ĭ-sĭs,hē′mə-lī′sĭs /

1. The destruction of red blood cells, caused by disruption of the cell membrane and resulting in the release of hemoglobin. Hemolysis is seen in some types of anemia, which can be either inherited or acquired, as by exposure to toxins or by the presence of antibodies that attack red blood cells.

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Other Word Forms

• hemolytic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of hemolysis

First recorded in 1885–90; hemo- + -lysis

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

hemolysis

Laboratory testing showed a hemolysis rate below 3%, cell viability above 99%, and an antibacterial effect of 99.9%, indicating that it is safe when it comes into contact with blood.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 2, 2026

The specialist sent off a half-dozen more tubes of blood, looking for some of the rare causes of hemolysis.

From New York Times ● May 16, 2023

His 2010 death at age 50 was so mysterious that it took the coroner’s office almost 3½ years to determine the cause: acute severe hemolysis triggered by trichloroethylene exposure.

From Slate ● Nov. 5, 2015

An increase in LDH is thought to indicate hemolysis caused by thrombus formation.

From Forbes ● Nov. 27, 2013

If injected directly into the circulation they produce hemolysis, diuresis and direct actions on the central nervous system which may be rapidly fatal.

From Northern Nut Growers Association Incorporated 39th Annual Report at Norris, Tenn. September 13-15 1948 by Northern Nut Growers Association