rhabdomyolysis

noun

rhab·​do·​my·​ol·​y·​sis ˌrab-dō-mī-ˈä-lə-səs 

: the destruction or degeneration of muscle tissue (as from traumatic injury, excessive exertion, or stroke) accompanied by the release of breakdown products into the bloodstream and sometimes leading to acute renal failure

Examples of rhabdomyolysis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Studies have shown that sickle cell trait can be fatal when coupled with rhabdomyolysis. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

An autopsy determined that his death was caused by a combination of the exercises he was subjected to, his sickle cell trait, his body weight, and exertional rhabdomyolysis, according to prosecutors. — Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026

Her team was careful to separate out mild muscle symptoms, which are more commonly reported, from myalgia and rhabdomyolysis. — Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 25 June 2026

Although extremely rare, a condition called rhabdomyolysis can occur when your kidneys are overwhelmed with particles from muscle breakdown and can cause permanent kidney damage. — Brad Stulberg, Outside, 26 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

rhabdo- + myo- + -lysis

Note: The term was introduced by Drummond H. Bowden et al., "Acute recurrent rhabdomyolysis (paroxysmal myohaemoglobinuria)," Medicine, vol. 35, issue 4 (December, 1956), pp. 335-54.

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for rhabdomyolysis

• electrolysis
• fibrinolysis
• radiolysis
• autolysis
• cytolysis
• glycolysis
• haemolysis
• hydrolysis
• lipolysis
• photolysis
• pyrolysis
• thermolysis

Medical Definition

rhabdomyolysis

noun

rhab·​do·​my·​ol·​y·​sis ˌrab-dō-mī-ˈäl-ə-səs 

plural rhabdomyolyses -ˌsēz 

: the destruction or degeneration of skeletal muscle tissue (as from traumatic injury, excessive exertion, or stroke) that is accompanied by the release of muscle cell contents (as myoglobin and potassium) into the bloodstream resulting in hypovolemia, hyperkalemia, and sometimes acute renal failure