Main Entry: ly·sis

Pronunciation: \ˈlī-səs\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural ly·ses \-ˌsēz\

Etymology: New Latin, from Greek, act of loosening, dissolution, remission of fever, from lyein to loosen — more at lose

Date: 1543

1 : the gradual decline of a disease process (as fever)
2 : a process of disintegration or dissolution (as of cells)