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autolysis

[ aw-tol-uh-sis ]

noun

, Biochemistry.
  1. the breakdown of plant or animal tissue by the action of enzymes contained in the tissue affected; self-digestion.


autolysis

/ ɔːˈtɒlɪsɪs; ˌɔːtəˈlɪtɪk /

noun

  1. the destruction of cells and tissues of an organism by enzymes produced by the cells themselves
“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


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Derived Forms

  • autolytic, adjective
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Other Words From

  • au·to·lyt·ic [awt-l-, it, -ik], adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of autolysis1

First recorded in 1900–05; auto- 1 + -lysis
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Word History and Origins

Origin of autolysis1

C20: via German from Greek autos self + lusis loosening, release
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Example Sentences

The products of this autolysis are carried by the lymphatics to healthy tissues and thus may spread the infection.

Only in tumors in which autolysis is active intra vitam does the method exert any effect.

This process of self-digestion is known technically as autolysis.

This disintegration may be due to a process of autolysis, which sets in only after the egg has extruded the two polar bodies.

Such a constituent may be responsible for phagocytosis and autolysis in the organs undergoing absorption.

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autolysinautolyze