lytic

[ lit-ik ]

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

Origin of lytic

1
First recorded in 1885–90, lytic is from the Greek word lytikós able to loosen. See -lyte1, -ic

Other definitions for -lytic (2 of 2)

-lytic

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

Origin of -lytic

2
see origin at lytic

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

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
  1. relating to, causing, or resulting from lysis

  2. of or relating to a lysin

Origin of lytic

1
C19: Greek lutikos capable of loosing

British Dictionary definitions for -lytic (2 of 2)

-lytic

adj combining form
  1. indicating a loosening or dissolving: paralytic

Origin of -lytic

2
from Greek, from lusis; see -lysis

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