hydrolysis

noun

hy·​dro·​ly·​sis hī-ˈdrä-lə-səs 

: a chemical process of decomposition involving the splitting of a bond and the addition of the hydrogen cation and the hydroxide anion of water

hydrolytic

ˌhī-drə-ˈli-tik 

adjective

hydrolytically

ˌhī-drə-ˈli-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of hydrolysis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The sustainable funeral arrangement has prompted the Law Commission to consider similar regulatory frameworks for both hydrolysis and human composting across England and Wales. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 Mar. 2026

Partially broken down from collagen through hydrolysis. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 28 Nov. 2025

The process repurposes agricultural byproducts—specifically discarded cacao husks—into high-performance, sustainable yarn through a proprietary fermentation and hydrolysis method. —Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 15 Sep. 2025

The polymer helps create a strong connection between the nerve ends, and subsequently dissolves through hydrolysis. —Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 9 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing hydrolysis

• alkaline hydrolysis

Rhymes for hydrolysis

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

Kids Definition

hydrolysis

noun

hy·​drol·​y·​sis

hī-ˈdräl-ə-səs

: a process of breaking down a chemical compound that involves splitting a bond and adding the elements of water to the resulting molecular fragments

Medical Definition

hydrolysis

noun

hy·​dro·​ly·​sis hī-ˈdräl-ə-səs, ˌhī-drə-ˈlī- 

: a chemical process of decomposition involving the splitting of a bond and the addition of the hydrogen cation and the hydroxide anion of water

hydrolytic

ˌhī-drə-ˈlit-ik 

adjective

hydrolytically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb