hydrolysis

[ hahy-drol-uh-sis ]

noun

, plural hy·drol·y·ses [hahy-, drol, -, uh, -seez].

1. chemical decomposition in which a compound is split into other compounds by reacting with water.

hydrolysis

/ haɪˈdrɒlɪsɪs /

noun

1. a chemical reaction in which a compound reacts with water to produce other compounds

hydrolysis

/ hī-drŏl′ĭ-sĭs /

1. The reaction of water with another chemical compound to form two or more products, involving the ionization of the water molecule and usually splitting the other compound. The proteins, fats, and complex carbohydrates in food are broken down in the body by hydrolysis that is catalyzed by enzymes in the digestive tract.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hydrolysis¹

First recorded in 1875–80; hydro- ¹ + -lysis

Example Sentences

So they opted for a little-known and, in some quarters, controversial process known as aquamation, or alkaline hydrolysis, in which a body is soaked in a solution that dissolves practically everything but the bones.

From Time

This indicated probably the hydrolysis of an unstable lead compound.

From Project Gutenberg

The poisonous property is lost in the general rearrangement which takes place during hydrolysis.

From Project Gutenberg

The complication, resulting from the hydrolysis of the chromate, is not included in this calculation.

From Project Gutenberg

The difference in the values obtained, when hydrolysis is considered or neglected, is very considerable.

From Project Gutenberg

Other methods depend upon a partial hydrolysis of the protein.

From Project Gutenberg