lytic

[ lit-ik ]

/ ˈlɪt ɪk /

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adjective

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

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Origin of lytic

First recorded in 1885–90, lytic is from the Greek word lytikós able to loosen. See -lyte¹, -ic

Words nearby lytic

Lyssavirus, lyssophobia, -lyte, Lytham Saint Anne's, lythraceous, lytic, lytic cocktail, lytta, Lyttelton, Lytton, Lyubertsy

Other definitions for lytic (2 of 2)

-lytic

a combining form occurring in adjectives that correspond to nouns ending in -lysis: analytic; paralytic.

Origin of -lytic

see origin at lytic

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use lytic in a sentence

Third, lytic agents in the blood serum may play the chief rle in the liberation of the toxic agent from its non-toxic combination.
Handbook of Medical Entomology|William Albert Riley

British Dictionary definitions for lytic (1 of 2)

lytic

/ (ˈlɪtɪk) /

adjective

relating to, causing, or resulting from lysis

of or relating to a lysin

Word Origin for lytic

C19: Greek lutikos capable of loosing

British Dictionary definitions for lytic (2 of 2)

-lytic

adj combining form

indicating a loosening or dissolvingparalytic

Word Origin for -lytic

from Greek, from lusis; 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

Medical definitions for lytic (1 of 2)

lytic

[ lĭt′ĭk ]

adj.

Of, relating to, or causing lysis.

Of or relating to a lysin.

Medical definitions for lytic (2 of 2)

-lytic

suff.

Of, relating to, or causing a specified kind of decomposition:lymphatolytic.