hydrolysis

[ hahy-drol-uh-sis ]

noun

, plural hy·drol·y·ses [hahy-, drol, -, uh, -seez].

1. chemical decomposition in which a compound is split into other compounds by reacting with water.

hydrolysis

/ haɪˈdrɒlɪsɪs /

noun

1. a chemical reaction in which a compound reacts with water to produce other compounds

hydrolysis

/ hī-drŏl′ĭ-sĭs /

1. The reaction of water with another chemical compound to form two or more products, involving the ionization of the water molecule and usually splitting the other compound. The proteins, fats, and complex carbohydrates in food are broken down in the body by hydrolysis that is catalyzed by enzymes in the digestive tract.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hydrolysis¹

First recorded in 1875–80; hydro- ¹ + -lysis

Example Sentences

The choline cation within the liquid effectively shields the negative charge of nucleic acids, preventing their contact with water and thereby fundamentally impeding hydrolysis.

From Science Daily

This often includes steps such as hydrogenation, which produces semisolid oils, and hydrolysis, which enhances flavors.

From Scientific American

The disassembly of old filaments is crucial for cell movement and is regulated by ATP hydrolysis -- the reaction of ATP with water that cleaves a phosphate group and generates energy.

From Science Daily

They use a chemical process called "reverse hydrolysis" which combines hydrogen with oxygen and creates heat, water vapour and, crucially, electricity.

From BBC

Alkaline hydrolysis, also known as water cremation, is a natural method of decomposition that uses water to cremate the body.

From Los Angeles Times