photolysis

[ foh-tol-uh-sis ]

noun

1. the chemical decomposition of materials under the influence of light.

photolysis

/ fəʊˈtɒlɪsɪs; ˌfəʊtəʊˈlɪtɪk /

noun

1. chemical decomposition caused by light or other electromagnetic radiation Compare radiolysis

photolysis

/ fō-tŏl′ĭ-sĭs /

1. Chemical decomposition induced by light or other radiant energy. Photolysis plays an important role in photosynthesis, during which it produces energy by splitting water molecules into gaseous oxygen and hydrogen ions.

Derived Forms

• photolytic, adjective

Other Words From

• pho·to·lyt·ic [foht-l-, it, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of photolysis¹

First recorded in 1910–15; photo- + -lysis