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• lysis
  lysis

  noun

  the dissolution or destruction of cells by lysins.
• -lysis
  -lysis

  a combining form with the meaning “breaking down, loosening, decomposition,” used in the formation of compound words.

lysis

¹ American  

[lahy-sis] / ˈlaɪ sɪs /

noun

lyses plural

1. Immunology, Biochemistry. the dissolution or destruction of cells by lysins.

2. Medicine/Medical. the gradual recession of a disease.

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-lysis ² American  

1. a combining form with the meaning “breaking down, loosening, decomposition,” used in the formation of compound words.

   analysis; electrolysis; paralysis.

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lysis ¹ British  

/ ˈlaɪsɪs /

noun

1. the destruction or dissolution of cells by the action of a particular lysin

2. med the gradual reduction in severity of the symptoms of a disease

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-lysis ² British  

combining form

1. indicating a loosening, decomposition, or breaking down

   electrolysis

   paralysis

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lysis Scientific  

/ lī′sĭs /

1. The disintegration of a cell resulting from destruction of its membrane by a chemical substance, especially an antibody or enzyme.

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Etymology

Origin of lysis¹

1815–25; < New Latin < Greek lýsis a loosening, releasing, equivalent to ly-, variant stem of lȳ́ ( ein ) to loosen, release + -sis -sis

Origin of -lysis²

From Greek; see origin at lysis

Example Sentences

A key step in this process is host cell lysis, the breaking open of a bacterial cell so that GTA particles can be released.

From Science Daily • Apr. 17, 2026

The paper is titled "Convergent MurJ flippase inhibition by phage lysis proteins."

From Science Daily • Feb. 28, 2026

And then there’s the fourth moment, which is what Jung called the lysis, where the energy of your life wants to go.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2024

The neutrophils in the recipient will identify the MHC I molecules on transplanted organ as non- self proteins, causing lysis of transplanted cells.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Defervescence occurs in the former by crisis; in the latter, by lysis.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various