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)