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

Derived Forms

• autolytic, adjective

Other Words From

• au·to·lyt·ic [awt-l-, it, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of autolysis¹

First recorded in 1900–05; auto- ¹ + -lysis

Word History and Origins

Origin of autolysis¹

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

Example Sentences

Cells deprived of oxygen start digesting themselves in a process called autolysis.

From Salon

According to researchers, brains tend to decompose quickly after death in a rapid process of autolysis, where enzymes break up the tissue.

From Fox News

“As the bottle continues to age, the yeast will go through a process called autolysis, the breakdown of yeast cells, which produces nutty and meaty flavors,” Kelewae says.

From Slate

The process is called " autolysis" and the unknown causal agent a " lysin."

From Time Magazine Archive

How utterly unmechanical a living body is, at least how far it transcends mere mechanics is shown by what the chemists call "autolysis."

From Project Gutenberg