heterolysis

noun

het·​ero·​ly·​sis ˌhe-tə-ˈrä-lə-səs How to pronounce heterolysis (audio) -ə-rə-ˈlī-səs How to pronounce heterolysis (audio)
: decomposition of a compound into two oppositely charged particles or ions
heterolytic
ˌhe-tə-rə-ˈli-tik How to pronounce heterolysis (audio)
adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heterolysis was in 1938

Rhymes for heterolysis

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Browse Nearby Words

heterologous stimulus
heterolysis
heteromallous
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Cite this Entry

“Heterolysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heterolysis. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

heterolysis

noun
het·​ero·​ly·​sis ˌhet-ə-ˈräl-ə-səs How to pronounce heterolysis (audio) -ə-rə-ˈlī-səs How to pronounce heterolysis (audio)
plural heterolyses -ˌsēz How to pronounce heterolysis (audio)
1
: destruction by an outside agent
specifically : solution (as of a cell) by lysins or enzymes from another source
2
: decomposition of a compound into two oppositely charged particles or ions compare homolysis
heterolytic
-lit-ik How to pronounce heterolysis (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on heterolysis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about heterolysis

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