Lysis
/ˈlaɪsɪs/noun
The breaking down or dissolution of cells, tissues, or substances.
Did you know?Lysis comes from Greek *lysis*, “a loosening” or “release,” from the same root that gave English words like *analyze* and *paralyze*—all built around the idea of breaking something apart or setting it free.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*leu-
“to loosen, dissolve, split apart”
Ancient Greek
Greek
λύσις (lýsis)
“a loosening, releasing, dissolution”
Late Latin
Latin
lysis
“a loosening or dissolution”
19th Century
English
lysis
“the breaking down or dissolution of cells or substances”
Modern English
English
lysis
“the breakdown of organic tissue, cells, or compounds”