hydrolyze

[ hahy-druh-lahyz ]

verb (used with or without object)

, hy·dro·lyzed, hy·dro·lyz·ing.

1. to subject or be subjected to hydrolysis.

Other Words From

• hydro·lyza·ble adjective
• hydro·ly·zation noun
• hydro·lyzer noun
• un·hydro·lyzed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hydrolyze¹

First recorded in 1875–80; hydro(lysis) + -lyze

Example Sentences

For example, GA Foods, a Florida-based vendor of medically supportive food, offers over 50 “nutritionally balanced” meals that contain additives, including corn syrup and other sweeteners, food coloring, flavor additives, hydrolyzed protein and preservatives.

From Washington Post

When treated with heat, collagen becomes gelatin, and most supplemental collagen has been further broken down — hydrolyzed — into short chains of amino acids called peptides.

From Seattle Times

It's made from hydrolyzed oats and water that are then mixed with pumpkin purée, natural pumpkin-spice flavor, cane sugar and a sprinkle of sea salt for balance.

From Salon

For babies having certain digestive issues, Porto recommends a formula with proteins that have been broken down, or hydrolyzed, to make them easier to digest.

From Salon

"The new species, Ideonella sakaiensis, breaks down the plastic by using two enzymes to hydrolyze PET and a primary reaction intermediate, eventually yielding basic building blocks for growth," the scientists explained.

From Salon

Related Words

• determine
• dissect
• parse
• resolve