lysis

[ lahy-sis ]

/ ˈlaɪ sɪs /

Save This Word!

noun, plural ly·ses

[lahy-seez]. /ˈlaɪ siz/.

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

Medicine/Medical. the gradual recession of a disease.Compare crisis (def. 4).

QUIZ

ALL IN FAVO(U)R OF THIS BRITISH VS. AMERICAN ENGLISH QUIZ

There's an ocean of difference between the way people speak English in the US vs. the UK. Are your language skills up to the task of telling the difference? Let's find out!

Question 1 of 7

True or false? British English and American English are only different when it comes to slang words.

true

false

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of lysis

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

Words nearby lysis

Lysimachus, lysimeter, lysin, lysine, Lysippus, lysis, Lysistrata, Lysithea, lyso-, lysocline, lysogen

Other definitions for lysis (2 of 2)

-lysis

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

Origin of -lysis

From Greek; see origin at lysis

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use lysis in a sentence

There is evil too inseparable from good (compare Lysis); not always punished here, as good is not always rewarded.
Phaedo|Plato
She was extremely clear-headed in her reason, and referred them to the Symposium and the dialogue on Lysis, to prove her point.
Dodo's Daughter|E. F. Benson
Some difference appears to be intended between the characters of the more talkative Menexenus and the reserved and simple Lysis.
Lysis|Plato
This attracted Lysis, who was constantly turning round to look at us—he was evidently wanting to come to us.
Lysis|Plato

Lysis and Menexenus gave a faint assent to this; and Hippothales changed into all manner of colours with delight.
Lysis|Plato

British Dictionary definitions for lysis (1 of 2)

lysis

/ (ˈlaɪsɪs) /

noun plural -ses (-siːz)

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

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

Word Origin for lysis

C19: New Latin, from Greek, from luein to release

British Dictionary definitions for lysis (2 of 2)

-lysis

n combining form

indicating a loosening, decomposition, or breaking downelectrolysis; paralysis

Word Origin for -lysis

from Greek, from lusis a loosening; see lysis

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for lysis

lysis

[ lī′sĭs ]

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