cytolysis

noun

cy·tol·y·sis sī-ˈtä-lə-səs

: the usually pathologic dissolution or disintegration of cells

cytolytic

ˌsī-tə-ˈli-tik

adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of cytolysis was in 1896

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Cytolysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cytolysis. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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Medical Definition

cytolysis

noun

cy·tol·y·sis sī-ˈtäl-ə-səs

plural cytolyses -ˌsēz

: the usually pathological dissolution or disintegration of cells

cytolytic

ˌsīt-ᵊl-ˈit-ik

adjective

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