proteolysis

[proh-tee-ol-uh-sis]

noun

Biochemistry.

1. the breaking down of proteins into simpler compounds, as in digestion.

proteolysis

/ ˌprəʊtɪəˈlɪtɪk, ˌprəʊtɪˈɒlɪsɪs /

noun

1. the hydrolysis of proteins into simpler compounds by the action of enzymes: occurs esp during digestion

Other Word Forms

• proteolytic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of proteolysis¹

1875–80; proteo- (combining form representing protein ) + -lysis

Word History and Origins

Origin of proteolysis¹

C19: from New Latin, from proteo- (from _protein ) + _-lysis