photolyze

[ foht-l-ahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, pho·to·lyzed, pho·to·lyz·ing.

1. to break down molecules with light.

verb (used without object)

, pho·to·lyzed, pho·to·lyz·ing.

1. to experience photolysis.

Other Words From

• photo·ly·zation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of photolyze¹

1935–40; photo(lysis) + -lyze, on the model of analysis, analyze