hydrolysis

[hahy-drol-uh-sis]

noun

plural

hydrolyses 

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

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