cytolysis

[ sahy-tol-uh-sis ]

noun

, Physiology.

1. the dissolution or degeneration of cells.

cytolysis

/ ˌsaɪtəˈlɪtɪk; saɪˈtɒlɪsɪs /

noun

1. cytology the dissolution of cells, esp by the destruction of their membranes

Derived Forms

• cytolytic, adjective

Other Words From

• cy·to·lyt·ic [sahyt-l-, it, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cytolysis¹

First recorded in 1905–10; cyto- + -lysis

Example Sentences

The writer believes that the subsequent treatment of the egg with hypertonic sea-water is needed only to overcome the destructive effects of this partial cytolysis.

From Project Gutenberg

Many pathologists assume that haemolysis or cytolysis is due to a liquefaction of certain fatty or fat-like compounds, the so-called lipoids, in the cell.

From Project Gutenberg

It is well known that the blood corpuscles, as a rule, undergo cytolysis if injected into the blood of an animal which belongs to a different family.

From Project Gutenberg

Some substance contained in the blood causes, presumably, a superficial cytolysis of the egg and thus starts its development.

From Project Gutenberg