lytic

¹

[ lit-ik ]

adjective

1. of, noting, or pertaining to lysis or a lysin.

-lytic

²

1. a combining form occurring in adjectives that correspond to nouns ending in -lysis:

   analytic; paralytic.

lytic

¹

/ ˈlɪtɪk /

adjective

1. relating to, causing, or resulting from lysis
2. of or relating to a lysin

-lytic

²

combining form

1. indicating a loosening or dissolving

   paralytic

Word History and Origins

Origin of lytic¹

First recorded in 1885–90, lytic is from the Greek word lytikós able to loosen. See -lyte ¹, -ic

Origin of lytic²

lytic

Word History and Origins

Origin of lytic¹

C19: Greek lutikos capable of loosing

Origin of lytic²

from Greek, from lusis; see -lysis

Example Sentences

Third, lytic agents in the blood serum may play the chief rle in the liberation of the toxic agent from its non-toxic combination.

From Project Gutenberg