hydrolysis

American  

[hahy-drol-uh-sis] / haɪˈdrɒl ə sɪs /

noun

hydrolyses plural

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

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hydrolysis British  

/ haɪˈdrɒlɪsɪs /

noun

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

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hydrolysis Scientific  

/ 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.

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Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• hydrolyses
  plural

Etymology

Origin of hydrolysis

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

Example Sentences

One important process is ATP hydrolysis, which is how cells break down adenosine triphosphate to release energy.

From Science Daily • Dec. 16, 2025

This often includes steps such as hydrogenation, which produces semisolid oils, and hydrolysis, which enhances flavors.

From Scientific American • Nov. 8, 2023

Alkaline hydrolysis, also known as water cremation, is a natural method of decomposition that uses water to cremate the body.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2023

Water cremation, also called alkaline hydrolysis, involves the body being placed in a chamber and broken down by a combination of water, heat and a strong alkali.

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2023

The organic matter is mostly sugar mixtures derived from the hydrolysis of cellulose, but, in addition, there are various food factors which must be added.

From "I, Robot" by Isaac Asimov