radiolysis

[ rey-dee-ol-uh-sis ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. the dissociation of molecules by ionizing radiation.

radiolysis

/ ˌreɪdɪəʊˈlɪtɪk; ˌreɪdɪˈɒlɪsɪs /

noun

1. chemical decomposition caused by radiation, such as a beam of electrons or X-rays

Derived Forms

• radiolytic, adjective

Other Words From

• ra·di·o·lyt·ic [rey-dee-oh-, lit, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of radiolysis¹

First recorded in 1945–50; radio- + -lysis